Tag: synod

Counting on … day 183

2nd October 2024

Church yards and gardens are places where greater biodiversity can be encouraged. Land around churches has often been undisturbed for many years allowing naturally for a high degree of biodiversity. The land can also be welcome green space in the midst of more built up urban environment. And there is more that can be achieved if there is a sustained focus on improving biodiversity.  

“Churchyards can be surprisingly rich in nature, and many of the plants, fungi, and animals found within a churchyard predate the church buildings and help identify the timelessness of these places and the consistent management they have received year after year.” (1) 

In February 2024 the Church of England’s  General Synod has backed a series of measures to promote biodiversity. “The Synod approved further action to increase biodiversity including work towards drawing up environmental policy and land management plans for Dioceses and the recording of biodiversity in church green spaces. The Synod also backed a request for the Church Commissioners to report back to the General Synod within three years on their progress in enhancing and supporting biodiversity across their agricultural and forestry land.

“Introducing the debate at the Synod, the Church of England’s lead Bishop for the Environment, Graham Usher, said there was a need for immediate action to promote biodiversity. He warned that the UK is now one of the most ‘nature-depleted’ countries in the world.” (2)

(1) https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/churchyard-wildlife

(2) https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/general-synod-backs-action-tackle-biodiversity-crisis

Counting on … day 1.122

10th July 2023

Over the weekend I was with Christian Climate Action, raising awareness, through prayer and actions, about the urgency of the climate crisis amongst members of the Church of England who were attending the General Synod held in York. On the Saturday the Synod received a report from their National Investment Boards, outlining the strategy by which they make investments in relation to the climate crisis – a strategy created at the request of the General Synod in 2018. The NIBs response has included working with others to create  the Transition Pathway Initiative which examines – and rates – leading companies across all sectors to establish the degree to which they have a business plan compatible with the 2050 net zero emissions target. This year’s report to Synod was particularly focused on their decision to divest from major fossil fuel companies because their business plans are not so aligned – especially in the critical short term of the next few years.

Will NIBs and more importantly the Church of England as a whole now use its voice to urge other investors to follow suit? Will the remaining 6 C of E dioceses (including Southwark) now also divest themselves of  fossil fuel holdings? Will the Government pay attention and review its decision to license new oil and gas exploration and production?