The Church of England’s General Synod has called for renewed action from the Church and Government to tackle the impact and causes of climate change.
A motion brought by the Diocese of Oxford calls on all parts of the Church to review policies and procedures in order to give due priority to creation care, and asks the Government to review planning regulations to aid the installation of renewable technology on church buildings that are listed or in conservation areas, was passed by a substantial majority of Synod members.
It also commends the National Investment Bodies for their decisions to divest from fossil fuels, calls for regular prayer, and encourages the opportunity for confirmation candidates to make commitments to safeguard the integrity of creation.
Ahead of the vote, Synod members were briefed on the aspects of the motion which have made positive progress since the motion was passed by Oxford Diocesan Synod in March 2020: including the Church of England’s Routemap to Net Zero by 2030 and announcements by the National Investing Bodies to disinvest from fossil fuels.
Church of England General Synod calls on Church and Government to move faster on Climate Change
Powerful speech by Bishop @LiviJGraham @oxforddiocese @CofEEnvironment @UNEPFaith4Earth @fftcnetwork https://t.co/Z5sTB7rOc0— Green Anglicans (@Greenanglicans) July 12, 2023