“It becomes ever clearer that climate change is the greatest challenge that we and future generations face. It’s our sacred duty to protect the natural world we’ve so generously been given, as well as our neighbours around the world who will be first and worst affected. Without swift decisive action the consequences of climate change will be devastating.”
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
“..the global climate emergency is a crisis for God’s creation, and a fundamental injustice..”
From General Synods Motion on Climate Change 2020
Strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
The Anglican Communion’s fifth Mark of Mission
It is all of our responsibility to make changes to our lives to save the planet for future generations.
At the March 2021 meeting of Diocesan Synod, it was agreed that our diocese should aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 at the latest, committing to develop an action plan and resources for sustainable living.
This includes:
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policies and procedures to minimise energy use and waste, and increase the use of renewable energies;
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the incorporation of creation care into the prayers, liturgies and worship of our churches;
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discipleship and learning resources to support changing and developing understanding and practice in our personal and corporate lives.
Synod requested a report on process every two years. at its March 2023 meeting it approved a new statement of environmental policy.
The Diocesan Climate Crisis Task Group aims to support the diocese in achieving this aim through:
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Co-ordinating the diocesan response to the Church of England’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions (‘net zero’) by 2030.
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promoting creation care and all aspects of environmental concern in the Diocese as a fundamental part of Christian discipleship, especially through the Eco Diocese and Eco Church scheme.
How can you get involved?
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Sign up to the Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool to give a benchmark against which progress can be measured.
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Investigate becoming an Eco Church
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Attend/ watch the Church of England’s webinar series which aim to help churches move towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.
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Look at the options for moving to 100% renewable energy in your church.
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Encourage your congregation to get involved in Creation Care.
Other resources
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Watch the short film on the views of young people.
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The Church of England's Net Zero webinars (Including a number of webinars from our diocesan Heating Adviser under the 'webinars on low carbon solutions - heating, lighting, solar and more' section. The one this Tuesday is 'to replace or not to replace'.)
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A practical path to zero net carbon - download PDF.
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Resources for 'sustainable preaching' based around the weekly Sunday lectionary.
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When thinking about changes to your church to make it more environmentally friendly, you may find helpful these two best practice and very practical notes for ecclesiastical architects and surveyors, describing how they might integrate sustainability and net zero carbon into their work. One note focusses on the Quinquennial Inspection and one focusses on project work.
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Have a look at these resources for Creation Season from the Church in South Africa: Pack 1 / Pack 2
Sustainable Church Flowers
Bishop Martin has supported the campaign to call on churches to take a more sustainable approach to flower arranging and whenever possible, stop using floral foam (also known as ‘oasis’) in their displays. Find out more
- Glorifying God Sustainably - a short newsletter on sustainable church flower arranging.
- Download a generic policy for sustainable flowers in church.
- Find a local supplier: www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk
- Visit the Sustainable Church Flowers website: https://suschurchflowers.com/
Called to Action
Our Called to Action series offers regular ideas as to how we can all make small steps to change our planet.
Facebook Group
Join our Climate Action Facebook group to see climate related news and events all over the diocese, as well as tips and advice for living a more sustainable life at home and at church.
