Environmental Stewardship Resolution

Environmental Stewardship

Resolution C018

Environment: Environmental Stewardship

Resolved,
That the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church recognize that the use of fossil fuels harms air quality and public health and is contributing to changes in the global climate that threaten the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors around the world; and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention affirm that our Christian response to global warming is a deeply moral and spiritual issue; and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention reaffirm Resolution 1991-A195, adopted by the 70th General Convention, declaring that Christian Stewardship of God's created environment, in harmony with our respect for human dignity, requires response from the Church of the highest urgency; and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention reaffirm Resolution 2000-A048, adopted by the 73rd General Convention, encouraging all members, congregations, dioceses, and other church institutions to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources; and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention acknowledge with praise and appreciation the work of Interfaith Power and Light, a non-profit initiative that helps congregations, religious institutions and others work for a more just, sustainable and healthier Creation (website of Interfaith Power and Light); and be it further
Resolved,
That the Convention encourage all members, congregations, dioceses, and other church institutions to consider prayerfully whether to partner with Interfaith Power and Light by incorporating respect and care for Creation into programs of worship and education, by reducing energy use through conservation and increased efficiency, and by replacing consumption of fossil fuels with energy from renewable resources.

Explanation:

The direct health effects of fossil fuel combustion are well known - whether the emissions come from the tailpipes of cars or the smokestacks of power plants. The skyrocketing incidence of asthma among young people, especially in urban areas, the pulmonary damage caused by urban smog, and acid rain are examples of these effects. It is also increasingly clear that humanity's use of fossil fuels is causing the world to warm. Climate changes are already apparent, and the increased intensity of hurricanes is one predicted effect. These changes in many cases are having direct and harmful impacts on the two-thirds of humanity who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. As each of us is responsible for the use of fossil fuels through transportation and electricity consumption, each of us must consider how to ameliorate the damage we are causing to our environment and our neighbors.

Submitted by

Diocese of Washington

Source: Record of Legislation of the 75th General Convention.

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.

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The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Caring for God's Creation: Called to be Stewards
part of the Episcopal Church, USA

Eco-Justice Resolutions
from 75th General Convention (2006)