Churches Look to Play Leading Role in Fight Against Climate Change

Churches across Herefordshire and South Shropshire are to play a leading role in combating the threat of global warming and the looming climate crisis. The governing body of the Church of England Diocese of Hereford has backed a far-reaching Environment Policy, which will see parishes and people throughout the area making a difference by taking action on a range of fronts, including cutbacks on energy use.

"This is a long term commitment, and there are no quick fixes" said George Reiss, the Diocesan Environment Officer, "but there are plenty of places where we can make a difference. We don't want our children to grow up in a climate of fear and so we must take action. Many of our churches are already taking on a whole range of projects from Fair Trade to eco-friendly graveyards. Synod members ARE very supportive and we are hopeful this will translate into action."

The 150-strong Synod had a presentation of the planned policy and an address from Richard Davies who heads the Marches Energy Agency.

MEA is an independent not-for-profit organisation that promotes the sustainable use of energy and the wider principles of sustainable development.

Members voted overwhelmingly to accept an obligation to conduct their own business in responsible ways, to assess the environmental impact of all our activities, and to consider ways in which to minimise and mitigate any environmental damage they may cause; to encourage all Christians to prayerfully consider lifestyles which promote sustainable, healthy and socially just patterns of consumption for all.

They also pledged to co-operate with government agencies, political parties and non-government organisations, which seek to replace present systems by ones which are ecologically sustainable and socially just.

"Low energy light bulbs are just one example of how we can cut pollution and save money at the same time. We did not leave it at that though," added Reiss, "other actions were put forward so that we are also thinking about land use, waste and travel, which is always a problem in a rural area like Herefordshire and South Shropshire. The Diocese of Hereford has been at the forefront of Environmental Issues in the Church of England for the last five years but this could take those issues even further. "