The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Resolution on the Environment

Passed by the 144^th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California,
October 30, 1993

"Christian obligations for God's created environment"

RESOLVED,
that this Convention of the Diocese of California celebrate the beauty and wonder of God's creation, reaffirm our deep concern over environmental degradation produced by excessive consumption and human population, and recognize the growing problem this poses for feeding the multitudes from a dwindling resource base; and be it further

RESOLVED,
that this Convention is in support of the environmental policy goals of the Seventieth General Convention of the National Church as stated in its Resolution A 195 that "Christian stewardship of God's created environment, in harmony with our respect for human dignity, requires a response from the Church of the highest urgency;" and be it further

RESOLVED,
that this Convention recommend that the Diocese of California and all its congregations develop and implement an environmental policy designed to preserve and enhance God's creation; that such policy will include guidelines on the use of biodegradable, recyclable and reusable materials; recycling; recycled paper for office paper, photocopy paper, and other church paper uses; energy efficiency in church facilities, and the care and upkeep of church grounds and facilities; and, further, that such policy will be applied to all groups who use the buildings and premises of the church; and be it further

RESOLVED,
that this Convention recommend that all institutions of the Diocese develop programs of Christian education that address and support peoples' need to change the way we live in relationship to God's creation, by making use of the biblical, theological, liturgical, and spiritual resources in our tradition that can support us on that path; and be it further

RESOLVED,
that this Convention recommend that all congregations of the Diocese establish committees on the environment during this year to implement goals which preserve and enhance God's creation, with assistance, as needed, from the diocesan Commission for the Environment and The Regeneration Project which it has launched for these purposes; and be it further

RESOLVED,
that the secretary be instructed to send copies of this resolution to the Executive Council and the Environmental Stewardship Team of The Episcopal Church.

Explanation: National church policy has declared that concern for the environment is a critical issue with global implications and obligations for future generations. The Diocese of California and all congregations of the diocese need to become aware of the consequences of environmental deterioration and of their responsibilities as disciples and citizens to undertake and endorse remedial actions.

The historic 1993 "Earth Summit" in Brazil reflected a global consensus of world leaders recognizing that the survival of human life is inextricably tied to the fate of the earth's ecosystems. The Episcopal Church and other world religions are recognizing the need for strengthened cooperation in international efforts to slow the deterioration of ecosystems and promote the design of human systems in harmony with nature. It is essential that developed nations work closely with less developed countries to address widespread ecological problems and human poverty. We urge U.S. leadership to work for such cooperation.

Church leaders have also recently joined with leading scientific thinkers to pledge a joint effort addressing the issues of world population, demographic shifts and wasteful consumption patterns. These scientists have estimated that one-fifth of the world's population – primarily the relatively affluent citizens of North America, Europe, and Japan – use two-thirds of all resources consumed and generate four-fifths of all pollutants and wastes, including 75 percent of the world's garbage. Human activities, whether by excessive population or consumption, have thus led to serious deterioration of the natural environment and pose increasing threats to human survival and human health, as well as substantial damage to plant and animal life. By poisoning the air, land and water around us, we have caused the destruction of ecosystems, the extinction of species, and limited our capacity to produce healthy food.

Science and religion have key roles to play in this growing human drama, the urgent search for ways to sustain and heal life on earth. This is our common task, one in which this Diocese can play a leading role by living out the ecological imperative grounded in our Christian theological foundations.

To assist the Diocese and its parishes with this task, the Episcopal Commission for the Environment is developing an affiliated non-profit through the Tides Foundation called "The Regeneration Project." Staffed at the outset by the Rev. Benjamin S. Webb, a transitional deacon and 1993 CDSP graduate, the ecumenical Regeneration Project will work primarily with Bay Area Episcopal churches in the coming year and is being funded by individuals and foundations.

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.