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Global Warming – What is the church doing?
Part 3 in the series by Janet Fulljames of St. Andrew's Church Taunton 18 March 2007.
Christians have been discussing environmental issues for many decades, the concerns were air pollution, de-forestation and soil erosion. Global warming itself has been recognized as a major concern for at least a decade. There are many Christian initiatives that are helping us to think and take action on climate change. Of the four campaigns selected here, two are from the Church of England and two are ecumenical.
Operation Noah is a campaign launched in 2004 by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and Christian Ecology Link. Operation Noah asks people to sign a climate covenant to save the planet. Genesis 8: 9-11 describes how God made a covenant with the earth, promising never again to destroy what had been created. A slogan the campaign uses is “Don’t just rock the boat… Let’s build the ark!” The climate covenant asks those signing to:-
The Climate Covenant can be signed on line at www.christian-ecology.org.uk
In 2005 the Church of England at General Synod debated a report “Sharing God’s Planet”. It asked that all dioceses and parishes should examine their uses of energy and there will be a report back to General Synod on energy reduction in 2008. In June 2006 a national campaign “Shrinking the Footprint” was launched. All churches and church members are being challenged in two ways. Firstly, to take simple steps before 2008, in order to shrink the carbon footprint. These small steps might be, for example, to use low energy light bulbs, turn off the office printer, or turn down the church heating. We are also encouraged to measure our church footprint, participating in the Church of England’s national energy audit, more about this next month. Referring to Matthew 15:32-9, the story of the Feeding of the Four Thousand, we are asked to reflect on the way the loaves and fishes were used by Jesus, who transformed a desperate situation. We are encouraged to be like the disciples, giving up a little of what we have in order to help others. Secondly the Church of England is committed to shrinking its carbon footprint to 40% of its current levels by 2050. This means reducing significantly our consumption of non renewable energy sources.
Christian Aid has a major new campaign to get the UK to reduce carbon emissions by 5% each year. As the development and aid agency for the churches Christian Aid argues that climate change will particularly affect the poor, they will pay for our emissions. Global warming is a threat to their development and will undo the progress already made in fighting poverty. This campaign invites us to Email our MP or the Chancellor, switch to a green electricity supplier, and join the Cut the Carbon March. This march will cover 1,000 miles and last 11 weeks. We are invited to walk one small part of the route, the nearest section is from Bristol to Bath on Sunday 16th September, details from Elizabeth Perry on 01935 850 849. There is more information about Christian Aid’s campaign on www.christian-aid.org.uk/climatechange
In March this year our own diocese of Bath and Wells discussed and endorsed a new Environment Policy at the Diocesan Synod meeting. I have a copy of this report which can be borrowed or it can be downloaded from the diocesan web site at www.bathandwells.org.uk . The report is wide ranging, with theological principles underpinning Christian motivation for living differently, and giving practical guidelines and further resources. It provides a vision for 2015 with Bath and Wells then an “eco diocese”. It indicates best ecological practice for the diocese, parishes and individual Christians. Next month I will look at what individual congregations might do to reduce carbon emissions and become more environmentally friendly. In succeeding months I will consider what individual Christians can do.
Janet Fulljames.
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Page updated 09/12/2007
