Press Releases05 Jul 23

Creation and the Church – a careful commission

The Church of Ireland’s local presence in over 2,000 properties today gives us great opportunities to make a positive difference for the environment now and into the future.  Each of our 900 churchyards provides a natural home to flora and fauna, and a situation that has vast opportunity to nurture islands of biodiversity, supporting pollinator–rich colonies of insect life amidst both urban and intensively cultivated rural landscapes. The importance of Ireland’s natural habitat is widely reflected in the subject matter of stained glass in parish churches and cathedrals, and these examples can be discovered and enjoyed in the Gloine website collection at www.gloine.ie

In recent years, the Church has found ways to practically express concern for a changing climate as members of the Church have become more aware of how our lifestyles can be harmful to the world around us.  From Wexford in May this year, the inspiring presentation by the Lighten Our Darkness youth group will long be remembered by members of General Synod for the message to “repair God’s world” and challenge waste and greed. Over many years, the General Synod has stood behind divestment from fossil fuels, ending the use of tropical hardwoods, and supporting the use of Fairtrade products.

The Church’s Environmental Charter, approved by General Synod in 2015, asks all members to play their part in the stewardship of Creation, by recognising and reducing waste, increasing their awareness of environmental issues, exercising leadership, identifying with the developing world, and seeking to influence policy.

To help fulfil its commitment, the Representative Body’s current Climate Change Policy sets out four main areas where it expects to make the greatest difference in improving environmental sustainability.  Firstly, the RB will reduce energy usage in light and heat through insulation and installing LED lighting, and encouraging the use of sustainable energy.  Likewise, in transportation, there will be a focus on reducing distances travelled and encouraging more energy–efficient forms of transport.  Waste will be minimised and, where it occurs, disposed of in ways which limit its impact on ecosystems.  There will also be a focus on preserving both the variety and numbers of flora and fauna, as is already happening through the beehives in the grounds of Church House, in Rathmines.

This policy will be delivered through internal policies and publishing guidance in Parish Resources on the Church of Ireland’s website.  RB committees will seek to encourage a biodiverse and low energy environment through grants issued to parishes and dioceses.  For example, €100,000 has been allocated from the Church Fabric and Development Fund for a Properties Energy Efficiency Grants programme for church buildings, which will be opened up in the coming year.

These initiatives are enhanced by many projects by parishes who are seeking to express care for Creation through maintaining property well and serving in ministry.  A selection will shared over the next week weeks as an encouragement and also to reflect many more efforts which, in the words of the Fifth Mark of Mission, strive to safeguard the integrity of Creation, and sustain and renew the life of the Earth.

This article was first published in the Church of Ireland Gazette.