The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

The 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, USA met in Minneapolis, MN, from July 27, 2003 to August 8, 2003.

EpEN Presence at Convention:

The Episcopal Ecological Network  had a booth at the convention which we shared with the Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission.

Resolutions of Interest:

The following environmental/ecological resolutions were passed at General Convention:

• Resolution 2003-A037: Recognize the Rights of Korean Citizens During Status of Forces Agreement Negotiations
• Resolution 2003-C026: Reduce the Use of Toxic Chemicals
• Resolution 2003-C036: Spirituality of Food Production
• Resolution 2003-D016: The Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment
• Resolution 2003-D046: The Stewardship of Water
• Resolution 2003-D066: Declaration on Sustainable Development
• Resolution 2003-D070: Water Policy

For more information on eco-justice Resolutions within the various diocese of the Episcopal Church or from other judicatories, click here.

Executive Council Resolutions
between 74^th and 75^th General Conventions:

Note: This information to be added during 2007.

Activities at Convention:

From the 145^th Convention of the Diocese of Minnesota (October 2002) and through coordination and discussions with the Episcopal Ecological Network and delegates from the Diocese of Minnesota to the General Convention, we worked on the following activities (not in any special order):

• In recognition that such a national convention (over 8,000 persons in attendance) generates a tremendous amount of paper (in the form of read-ahead books, daily communications, revisions of proposals, etc), the Delegates from the Diocese of Minnesota wished to plant as many trees as possible to counterbalance the trees (and the resulting loss of CO₂ to O₂ conversion) which will have been cut down for the paper to be used just at this convention. The Delegates and the Commission found set-aside land at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Minnesota, for planting over 80 trees.  These trees will not be sold or cut down in the future, so that this resulting forest will remain for generations to come. More details
• The Episcopal Ecological Network, in conjunction with the Environmental Stewardship Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, the Land Stewardship Project, Signature Café (Minneapolis), and organic and sustainable farmers in Minnesota hosted a Local and Organic Dinner on Monday, August 4, 2003. For more details Click here.
• MEESC offered a free booklet on implementing the Diocese of Minnesota's Resolution on Church Buildings and Grounds (applicable to any diocese or congregation) and on local purchase Wind Energy.
• MEESC and the Episcopal Ecological Network offered a "Starter Kit" CD containing information on how to start an environmental group in a congregation, or diocese. Copies of this CD are available through Province contacts of the EpEN.
• Support of 10 resolutions of an enviromental/ecologial nature.  Seven of these resolutions were passed by both the House of Bishops and the House of Delegates (see above).
• Supported purchase of sufficient Wind Energy to power the facilities used at General Convention (Convention Center and lodging)

Return to the List of General Conventions.

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