The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Response to Global Warming

Resolution B002

Environment: Response to Global Warming

Resolved,
That the 75th General Convention affirm that Global Warming threatens the future of God’s good creation, and the effects of Global Warming disproportionately hurt the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable in the United States and around the world; and be it further
Resolved,
That Episcopalians and The Episcopal Church at every level support efforts that seek to reduce Global Warming, including national and international legislation that increase the supply of clean energy and reduce consumption of fossil fuels; and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention commend the Executive Council and particularly its Socially Responsible Investment Committee (SRI) for the work they are now doing with the Global Warming Shareholder Campaign (GWSC), and the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) and the leadership they exercise as a member of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR); and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention urge the Executive Council and its SRI to:

(a) use resources of The Episcopal Church, including its investments, to promote a sustainable global environment;

(b) seek by shareholder resolutions to change current policies and behaviors of those companies that are significant contributors to Global Warming, and if necessary, divest from those companies;

(c) call upon the expertise of Episcopalians who are closely connected with the GWSC to assist in this initiative;

(d) report the results of this initiative to Executive Council no later than its fall meeting in 2007.

Explanation:

Submitted by 

• The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston (Massachusetts)

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.