"Climate Change is an existential threat to humanity. It is not simply a local problem; emissions created within the Diocese will impact eco systems across the world. In respect of our linked dioceses, we owe them a duty of care and support as they suffer injustice as a consequence of our western lifestyles. While scientists have been able both alert us to the danger and to provide us with clear ways by which many of the worst future outcomes can be avoided, humanity has shown itself to be very reluctant to follow these prescriptions as they go against our preoccupations with short term goals, profit, and personal wellbeing. Therefore, it is true to say that Climate Change is not a scientific problem but a spiritual one. Anglicans are called upon to care for the natural world as part of the Five Marks of Mission.”
In February 2020, General Synod voted for the whole of the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon (NZC) by 2030. The Synod asked for a plan to be made, setting out how to get to net zero carbon. That plan of action, called the Route map, was approved by General Synod in July 2022 in a Motion that asked for the Route map to be endorsed; requesting every Diocesan Synod to debate the Route map as it applies to them, requesting high energy users within the Church to draw up a programme of action based on the Route map, and called for progress reports to Diocesan Synod every three years.
Diocesan Net Zero Carbon Action Plan (NZAP)
A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working to protect and restore the natural world and committed to equipping Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment. Check out their Eco Church Programme designed to equip your church to express your care for God’s world in your worship and teaching; in how you look after your buildings and land; in how you engage with your local community and in global campaigns, and in the personal lifestyles of your congregation. Do also see their online community for individuals, Wild Christian.
A Rocha UK is part of a federation of independent A Rocha charities working across the world, facilitated in their work by the coordinating body A Rocha International.
Be inspired by what is already happening in our diocese!
"The Sherborne Deanery Eco Group formed as a group in October, inspired by the Diocesan vision 'Championing Climate Justice' and the Diocesan Net Zero Carbon Action Plan (with thanks too for an IME course with David Morgan and Revd Mike Perry).
Called to focus on horizons not hurdles, we are rooted in the Diocesan vision, and the fifth mark of mission, seeking to serve the Church becoming Net Zero.
Initial steps have included group reflection on theological principles, every church in our deanery becoming an eco church, and creating an initial news bulletin, 'From Our Eco Correspondent', through which we will share news across the deanery and locally in our parishes."
"We have a community-led service every month and much of what we do and say is relevant to eco issues."
"We have set up a Churches Together Eco Group so churches across the denominations can help each other to work towards their eco awards."
"The church I used to be vicar of had a south-facing roof, panels were installed funded by individuals in the community, with monetary benefits coming to them. (and cheap electric to the church as well)"
Read about the funding we have received in collabaration with Bristol Diocese.