TO PCCs FROM THE DIOCESAN ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP

In June 2006 the Diocesan Synod set up a working party to encourage PCCs and deaneries to engage with the issue of global warming, ‘theologically, scientifically and practically’.

In response to this diocesan initiative the working group are currently engaged in taking a presentation to all deanery synods, giving a clear picture of the extent and enormity of the problem and also indication of what we can do about it. The group will be asking all deanery representatives to go back to their PCC with the challenge to do something both in their church and personal life to reduce energy consumption.

We now are beginning to realise that our excessive use of energy is having a disastrous effect on the environment, causing changing weather patterns and pollution that most adversely affects the poorest people on the planet. In recent years we have seen hundreds and thousands suffering as a consequence of increasing floods, famine and pollution.

In the report ‘Sharing God’s Planet – a Christian Vision for a Sustainable Future’ the General Synod reminds us that as Christians we have a responsibility to act. Firstly this means to act with regard to our own life styles, individually and corporately and secondly to play an active role with regard to the national and international debate, speaking out and lobbying where we can.

We ask you to do the following:

1. Get the issue put on to your PCC agenda
2. Ensure that your church has carried out Church Energy Audit – Measuring our Footprint (information from Miriam Darke at Church House, Salisbury
3. Ask you PCC members to look at the list provided in the pack of Ways to save energy and challenge them personally to commit to as many as possible.
4. Ask your PCC to look at the additional list of ‘What some Churches have done’ and as a church commit to as many as possible.
5. When you have done this email Debbie Albery at the Sherborne Area office to let the group know what you have agreed to do – debbie.albery@salisbury.anglican.org
6. Please contact the group via Debbie Albery if you have any queries or need further help

Thank you for your help.

The Venerable Paul Taylor, Archdeacon of Sherborne and Chairman of the Environment Working Group.

Monday 9 March

HOPE FOR PLANET EARTH at Poole Grammar School

A Christian perspective on caring for the environment

Hope for Planet Earth is a multi-media presentation put together by a number of Christian organisations (Tearfund, A Rocha, Share Jesus International, John Ray Initiative and The Faraday Institute). Leading experts explore the science and dispel the myths about climate change, its impact on the poorest people and the planet, and our response as Christians. A national tour earlier this year was a great success. The 2009 tour will be coming to Poole Grammar School on the evening of Monday 9 March. 

More information is available on www.hopeforplanetearth.co.uk , or contact David and Jean Morgan, members of St John’s Wimborne. 01202 883504, dnjmorgan@tiscali.co.uk or 12 St John’s Hill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1DD.

Members of the Diocesan Environment Group

Environment group Deanery Visits

Click on the icons below to download:

• Carbon Calculation - a brief guide on calculating your carbon use
• News from St Thomas's, Salisbury - an Eco Congregation
• Global Warming Pamphlet
• Suggestions for Churches
• Faith and Climate Change Powerpoint Presentation
• The Diocesan Environment Policy

Click here for more information on light pollution …

2008 Environmental Information