A motion proposing an Environmental Charter for use by all parishes in the Church of Ireland has been passed by General Synod this afternoon. The motion was brought on behalf of Church and Society Commission and also urges that the resolution be conveyed to Diocesan Synods with a view to action.

The motion was proposed by Mr Andrew Brannigan who said that we had a responsibility for environmental stewardship. He added that the commission believed that the adoption of this charter would help churches and parishes understand their role in environmental stewardship.

He highlighted five areas of the charter: recognising and reducing waste, increasing environmental awareness across parishes, exercising leadership through environmental responsibility, identifying spiritually and practically with the developing world and influencing policy and the Church and State.

Mr Brannigan paid tribute to the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory for their work on pioneering the Green Charter.

The motion was seconded by Mr Sam Harper.

Speaking to the motion, the Ven Andrew Orr (Cashel) said he was delighted to see the motion proposed today and the production of broad outlines of what can be done to protect and support the environment. He said that the level of greenhouse gas in the world had gone over 400 parts per million – this was unknown in human history. He said there were people and communities across the world who were threatened by this – and that the ones who had contributed least to environmental damage were suffering most as a result of it.

“It is vitally important that parishes and dioceses don’t leave this report to gather dust,” the Archdeacon said and highlighted the work of Eco Congregation (of which he is the Church of Ireland representative) which can help in this matter.

Stephen Trew spoke about the difficulties of climate stress and urged members of Synod to act now for Climate Justice and spoke about Christian Aid’s climate justice campaign. Urged people to go without food tomorrow to act for climate justice.

Trevor Sargent hoped the motion would galvanise us all to shift to a better future. He compared our challenge to that of Adam and Eve. We could also ask could we not have left the fossil fuel in the ground. In terms of our Christian calling we have to pray for a miracle for a change of direction. He urged all parishes to get behind Eco Congregation.

George Woodman (Connor) thanked Andrew Brannigan for bringing the motion. He observed that while we may have good intentions, often our actions could be found wanting.

There were also contributions on Government policy on recycling and on the use of insecticides.

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