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