Most Christian leaders believe in climate change, but few talk about it
A new study finds that 90% of U.S. Christian leaders believe humans cause climate change, but many keep quiet about it in their congregations.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- A survey of 1,600 Christian leaders across denominations showed that 90% believe in human-caused climate change, including over 80% of evangelical or fundamentalist leaders.
- Despite these views, half of the leaders said they had never spoken about climate change in church, and only a quarter had discussed it more than once or twice.
- A separate survey found that most U.S. Christians wrongly assume their leaders don’t believe in climate change, dampening discussion and perceived moral urgency around climate action.
Key quote:
“We find that informing Christians that the majority of their religious leaders believe in man-made climate change leads them to realize that climate action is in line with their morals, and voting for politicians who deny climate change may be at odds with their faith.”
— Gregg Sparkman, assistant professor at Boston College
Why this matters:
As the climate crisis accelerates, faith communities are emerging as a crucial but underutilized force in the public response. Many church leaders remain hesitant to speak on climate change, either due to fear of political controversy, theological ambiguity, or uncertainty about the science itself. This silence can leave room for doubt to solidify, especially in congregations where climate change feels distant or divisive. For congregants who might distrust government or media sources, a trusted pastor’s voice can provide a powerful moral lens, framing climate action not just as science-based policy but as a sacred responsibility.
Read more: Christian climate activists aim to bridge faith and environmental action
