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This resolution, passed at the Episcopal Church's general
convention in 2006, is noteworthy not only for its language
but for its explicit commendation of Interfaith Power and
Light, encouraging all Episcopal churches to join. For
additional information visit: http://eenonline.org/about/resolve.htm
FINAL VERSION – Concurred General
Convention 2006 Resolution C018 Title: Environmental Stewardship
Topic: Environment Committee: Stewardship and Development
House of Initial Action: Bishops Proposer: Diocese of Washington
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Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of
the Episcopal Church recognize that the use of fossil fuels
harms air quality and public health and is contributing to
changes in the global climate that threaten the lives and
livelihoods of our neighbors around the world; and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention affirm that our
Christian response to global warming is a deeply moral and
spiritual issue; and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention reaffirm Resolution
1991-A195, adopted by the 70th General Convention, declaring
that Christian Stewardship of God's created environment, in
harmony with our respect for human dignity, requires response
from the Church of the highest urgency; and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention reaffirm Resolution
2000-A048, adopted by the 73rd General Convention, encouraging
all members, congregations, dioceses, and other church institutions
to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention acknowledge with
praise and appreciation the work of Interfaith Power and Light,
a non-profit initiative that helps congregations, religious
institutions and others work for a more just, sustainable
and healthier Creation (website of Interfaith Power and Light
– www.theregenerationproject.org); and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention encourage all
members, congregations, dioceses, and other church institutions
to consider prayerfully whether to partner with Interfaith
Power and Light by incorporating respect and care for Creation
into programs of worship and education, by reducing energy
use through conservation and increased efficiency, and by
replacing consumption of fossil fuels with energy from renewable
resources.
EXPLANATION
The direct health effects of fossil fuel combustion
are well known - whether the emissions come from the tailpipes
of cars or the smokestacks of power plants. The skyrocketing
incidence of asthma among young people, especially in urban
areas, the pulmonary damage caused by urban smog, and acid
rain are examples of these effects. It is also increasingly
clear that humanity's use of fossil fuels is causing the world
to warm. Climate changes are already apparent, and the increased
intensity of hurricanes is one predicted effect. These changes
in many cases are having direct and harmful impacts on the
two-thirds of humanity who depend on natural resources for
their livelihoods. As each of us is responsible for the use
of fossil fuels through transportation and electricity consumption,
each of us must consider how to ameliorate the damage we are
causing to our environment and our neighbors.
* The final language, as well as the final status of each
resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office.
The Journal of the 75th General Convention and the Constitution
and Canons will be published once the review process has been
completed.
The 70th General Convention July
1991, Phoenix Arizona
Episcopal Church Resolution on
Environment
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