An environmental focus

Changing the climate about the environment

A major focus of the Archbishop’s October 2007, Presidential address to Synod was on the environment. During this address he described the treatment of our environment as a justice issue, emphasising that no generation has the right to rob successive generations of quality of life.

The Archbishop reminded us of God’s call to be good stewards of the world ensuring that it remains fruitful for the future.  He highlighted that as a community we are becoming increasingly aware that we are harming the world and compromising its capacity to support a quality of life for generations after our own.  He described our collective inaction to address environmental matters as a breaking of the great commandment of our Lord, "to love our neighbour as ourselves".  That we are taking from the neighbours of our future that which is not ours to take.

At previous sessions of Synod the Archbishop encouraged Anglican parishes and institutions to consider adopting practical water saving measures, acknowledging that a number of parishes and schools had previously and continue to look at how they can conserve water and energy.

To assist those who are looking at environmental issues a number of practical templates have been developed.

• Environmental audit questionnaire

• Action list to accompany audit questionnaire

• Environmental policy (sample)

These resources have been generously developed by Lucy and Jonathan Larkin for trial within the diocese .The questionnaire provides you with a simple way of gauging your current environmental status. The action list provides a way of identifying matters that need attention and their priority. The sample policy provides a starting point for conversations about local environmental issues. 

You might choose to draw on this material as you consider this important issue in your area of ministry.