Environment and Climate Change Presidential Address Diocesan Synod 7 November 2015 The Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham Bishop of Kingston
Environment and
Climate ChangePresidential Address
Diocesan Synod7 November 2015
The Rt Revd Dr Richard CheethamBishop of Kingston
Articles of Enquiry 2015
The Articles of Enquiry asked how churches are following the Diocesan Environmental Policy, “Taking Care of God’s
Creation” - and embedding the 5th Mark of Witness in the life of the Church.
The majority of replies reveal that churches are inactive, and that environmental concern is quite
dormant.
Some key theological ideas
Word of God John ISpirit of God Romans 8 18-25 Wisdom of God Proverbs 8 / JobSalvation of God Ephesians 1 9-10, 13 Resurrection Order 1 Corinthians 15 22-25
Your Gospel is too small......To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
To respond to human need by loving service
To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth
The Five Marks of Mission
Time to act
• National C of E Environment Group
• Diocesan Environmental Policies and action
• Personal lifestyles and commitments
Diocesan Environment Working Group
Lead Bishop Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, Bishop of Kingston
Diocesan Environmental Officer and Convenor Sue MallinsonCroydon Area Environmental Advisor George DowKingston Area Environmental Advisor Ian ChristieWoolwich Area Environmental Advisor Abigail Kingston
Giles GoddardRt Revd Dr David Atkinson
Areas to develop (1)
Liturgy
Spirituality
Eco-churches
Inter faith common action
Areas to develop (2)
Clergy and Lay Training
Links between Parishes and Schools
Investment
Property
“Taking Care of God’s Creation” - Review
“In order that the Diocesan Synod can monitor progress in the implementation of this policy, we
ask every benefice to make a brief progress report to their Deanery Synod each year, and each Deanery, committee, Board and office in the
Diocese to make a progress report to the Diocesan Synod each November.”
An inter-generational vision
embedded within the Diocesan Vision
and the Five Marks of Mission