Resolution Number: 2006-C018
Title: Recognize Global Warming and Reaffirm Church's Environmental Responsibility
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

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–D022 [sic] (MDGs and the ONE Episcopalian Campaign [sic]), 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.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 484-485.

Legislative History

Author: Diocese of Washington
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Stewardship and Development

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Stewardship and Development presented its Report #5 on Resolution C018 (Environmental Stewardship) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(C018)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, 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–D022 (MDGs and the ONE Episcopalian Campaign), 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; 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.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, 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–D022 (MDGs and the ONE Episcopalian Campaign), 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.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #60)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Stewardship and Development presented its Report #3 on HB Message #60 on Resolution C018 (Environmental Stewardship) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #105)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 17.

Abstract:   The 75th General Convention reaffirms an historic commitment to environmental stewardship and endorses Interfaith Power and Light.
Notes:  

The mistaken citation in the fourth Resolved clause to Resolution 2000-D022 was altered by the Journal editor in the final text as published in the Journal to read: "That the Convention reaffirm Resolution 2000–A048, adopted by the 73rd General Convention, encouraging all members...". The adopted language has been left intact in this publication, but the [sic] has been used to show that both the resolution number (D022) and the parenthetical title are incorrect. Resolution 2000-A048 is titled: "Encourage Consideration of the Environment When Choosing Electric Energy Supplier".