A prudential resolution "establishes policy, institutes or revises structure or procedures, authorizes programs, approves directions or requests actions by a majority vote." (General Synod standing rules, April, 2006) Prudential resolutions were approved in 2001 and 2005 that instructed expressions of the United Church of Christ to take procedural steps related to environmental and/or energy concerns.

General Synod 25   --   2005

CALL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ACTION - [full text - PDF] This Resolution calls on all expressions of the United Church of Christ to implement programs for education and action to address issues of environmental protection, environmental justice and sustainable development. It establishes an Environmental Steering Committee to implement this Resolution in close coordination with Justice and Witness Ministries.

RESOLUTION ON SUPPORTING CONGREGATIONS AND PROVIDING GUIDANCE FOR STEWARDSHIP OF GOD'S CREATION DURING THE COMING PERIOD OF DECLINING FOSSIL FUELS - [full text - PDF] This resolution is offered to initiate exploration by the United Church of Christ of the role of the Church in meeting economic, ecological, and consequent spiritual challenges associated with predicted declines in future oil and natural gas supplies. The UCC is asked to begin a long term program to support faith based actions to create conditions that will foster a movement to sustainable conditions at the individual church, conference, UCC, and broader societal levels.

General Synod 23   --   2001

CALL FOR STAFFING TO ADDRESS ECOJUSTICE CONCERNS - [full text]
This resolution urges each of the four Covenanted Ministries of the United Church of Christ to designate staff to deal with ecojustice issues and themes and to work cooperatively with the other ministries to ensure that the spiritual, theological, moral. and social dimensions of ecojustice are addressed across the life of the whole church.