Environment - Overview

Green globe The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

(Psalm 24: 1-2)

Chester Diocesan Environment Policy – Caring for Creation

Ian Bishop (Archdeacon of Macclesfield) writes: As Chair of CSR I commend to you the Chester Diocesan Environment Policy that has been adopted by Bishop’s Council. The policy statement says:-

“We believe that we have a Christian responsibility to care for God’s creation. Therefore we believe that this ought to influence all our thinking, our actions and how we exercise our faithfulness in every function and activity, by every person; 24/7 – all day, every day.”

Over recent years we have all been made much more aware of the impact that humanity is having on our fragile earth. Archbishop Rowan has declared that care for the environment is central to what it means to be a Christian.

If you don’t already have a parish environment policy statement, can you adopt or adapt this policy as your own? Are there practices that as a church you can change or introduce that will care for creation? Can you identify one small step that you can take now? For example could you share transport to your PCC meeting? Actively caring for the environment may also have the potential for saving money! You may already have a statement on the environment and a plan of action, in which case I simply ask you to continue to build on what you’re already doing.

The ‘Environment Wheel’

This is a tool to help stimulate discussion at your PCC or Church meetings. St Bartholomew’s Church Barrow piloted the 'Wheel' for CSR and we have included their actions and plans as an example for you.

In the following webpages you will find more ideas and examples from churches and a wide range of resources including a link to the Church of England’s comprehensive website. If you would like more information or for someone to come and talk to your Deanery Chapter or Synod please email Victoria Day at Church House.

Ideas FOR action

Practical ideas to get you started - Click here

Ideas INTO action

Stories from parishes who have put their ideas into action - Click here

Special days / weeks through the year

Am opportunity to get your parish and community involved in taking part in the various things that happen throughout the year - Click here

Resources

A selection of general resources and also links to websites based on a topical theme - Click here

“What kind of world do we want to leave to our children?”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has recorded a video message in advance of the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development in which he asks “What kind of world do we want to leave to our children?”

“For the Church of the 21st century, good ecology is not an optional extra but a matter of justice. It is therefore central to what it means to be a Christian.”

Archbishop Rowan Williams