The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

On the Topic of Environmental Stewardship

Resolution D048
NOTE: Resolution died with adjournment.

On the Topic of Environmental Stewardship
(original text)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 71^st General Convention call upon the Episcopal Church at all levels to live in such harmony with the earth that all peoples and species may depend upon it to sustain life for future generations; and be it further

Resolved, That each diocese through its environmental stewardship committee or appropriate body assist congregations to learn more about the environmental issues facing us, particularly those most critical in their own communities, in order for them to undertake an active program of environmental stewardship to protect and, where necessary, to restore the health and integrity of the land, waters, and air of that diocese, reporting their progress to the Environmental Stewardship Team or appropriate national body; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church recognizes fully environmental protection measures may well have been taken in vain if the world population doubles as predicted by the middle of the next century; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention expresses its support of the efforts of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Conference on Population and Development being held in Cairo, Egypt, in September, and be it further

Resolved, That it is most appropriate for the Presiding Bishop, the President of the House of Deputies, the Environmental Stewardship Team or appropriate national body and corresponding diocesan bodies to bring the Church's teaching on good stewardship into the arena of public debate on environment and economic policies so that love for neighbor and the values of sufficiency and sustainability may stand against the false values of unnecessary consumption and exploitation.

Originating Committee: Committee on Stewardship and Development

Status: This resolution was amended and passed the House of Deputies but was not acted on by the House of Bishops prior to adjournment.

Source: Archives of the Episcopal Church

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.