The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Policy on The Environment

1.  Theology

As in all things,  the church's approach to the environmental challenge is motivated and shaped by our faith, as articulated in Biblical, historical and contemporary theology.

   (a)   The development and implementation of the Church's policy on the environment reflect fundamental Christian beliefs – in particular:
 

   (b)   The Church's policy on the environment reflects the call to reconciliation in the spirit of servanthood.  The Church's response to the environmental challenge is inspired and empowered by the promise of hope and the promise that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us in all things.

   (c)    The Church's policy encourages those able to explore old and new theological and spiritual directions in order to enliven and strengthen the commitment of the Church to the environmental challenge.

2.  "Integration"

    The Church's approach tothe environmental challenge begins with a recognition of the essential need for integration of environmental integrity and economic justice,  particularly as this need has been articulated by the 1988 Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops in its Res. 40, Environment, Militarism, Justice and Peace, and by the 1991 Assembly of the World Council of Churches in its Report, Giver of Life -- Sustain Your Creation.  The Church's effort in regard to specific concerns for the physical environment will be integrated into and will expand upon its ongoing work in the areas of social and economic justice, and will attempt to include all church structures in a systemic response to this policy commitment.

   (a)  A polcy of integration acknowledges that the pressing need for new emphasis on issues relating to conservation and enhancement of the physical environment should nevertheless build upon the Church's long commitment to and experience with peace and justice issues throughout the church.  In the Presiding Bishop's Office alone,  these include the Public Ministries Offices ("Deputy for Public Ministries," "Peace and Justice Office,"  "Washington Office,"  "Social and Specialized Mnistries,"  "Coalition for Human needs,"  "Economic Justice," and "Jubilee Office"), Oversees Develoment Office, Ethnic Ministries, and Ruraland Small Town Ministries.  The Executive Council's efforts have included its Committe on Social Responsibility in Investments and Alternative Investment Program.

   (b)  A policy of integration also envisions that, as the Church addresses the environmental issues, it does so in partnership with Anglican Provinces, ecumenical and interfaith re -presentatives, international, national, and local governmental entities, and educational, conservation, and business organizations.  The Church seeks, honors, and respects information and wisdom from other sources, be they religious or secular, from traditions and spiritualities other than those of Western Christianity,  and from the diversity of cultures – indeed,  from creation itself.

3.  A "New Attitude" 

   The Church's approach to the environmental challenge will strive to bring about a fundamental change – a conversion that results in a new attitude of humility towards the environment that will convert us from being a consumer-oriented society to one that adopts conservation as a way of life.  The church's effort begins with the acknowledgement that our Church's institutions in the United States also participate in an overuse and misuse of precious resources at the e xpense of both the environment and much of the world's population.  The Church will engage in a serious and spititual self-examination that understands humanity as not only being part of God's whole creation but also as having the responsibility for the well-being of that creation.

   (a)   A policy of embracing a new attitude of humility should focus on the Church as a model.  Implementation will involve a deliberate review of the church's management and use of its land and financial holdings.  In so doing,  the Church recognizes and takes advantage of the opportunity for conservation of the physical environment and the potential for effecting systemic change towards more just economic and social structures.  The Church will build upon and significantly intensify its engagement of these issues,  including potential development of Church lands for recreational or community uses and increased emphasis on alternative investments, shareholder activism, and socially-screened nvestment portfolios.

   (b)    A policy of embracing a new attitude of humility includes an acknowledgement of our ignorance and the need for discovery.  The ultimate impact of numerous controversial environmental practices is not yet known, and judcious courses of action are often not clear.  The Church will participate in the dialogue and debate,  indeed, often promoting forums for discussion and learning.  It will strive to learn how best to proclaim its dedication to the principles of sustainable development and its witness with the poor and others who are marginalized by unsound ecological practices,  especially women, children, and people of color.  To be an effective and sensitive witness,  the Church will study and learn about the major issues of the environmental challenge.

From April 1991 meeting of Executive Council

The EpEN is a national network of active lay and clergy persons within the Episcopal Church, USA, who share a common concern for the environment and a common belief in the presence of God in all Creation and who work to make these concerns and beliefs known throughout all Provinces and Dioceses within the church.  Members come from around the Episcopal Church USA.  The activities of the EpEN are focused on the areas of Reflection, Education, and Action. 

If you would like to contact any of these groups or to find out more about the EpEN, please click on the links on the left.