DIOCESE OF CASHEL & OSSORY GREEN CHARTER
As Christians and members of the Anglican Communion, we have an obligation to protect God’s creation, not only nationally but globally. The Diocese of Cashel & Ossory affirms its commitment to Environmental Awareness and Protection by:
- Identifying areas of waste and excess.
- Encouraging environmental consciousness in every parish.
- Promoting environmental responsibility in the broader community.
- Spiritually and financially supporting third world development, supporting fair trade and addressing the effects of climate change.
- Advocating policy change at local and national level that is environmentally beneficial.
Identifying Waste and Excess
- Turn off unnecessary lighting.
- Use heating only when essential.
- Draught proof windows and doors.
- Provide Recycling facilities in all churches.
- Identify and deal with inefficient equipment
Encourage environmental consciousness
- Infuse the Churches worship with references to God’s creation.
- Avail of alternative energies or fuel efficient systems.
- Impress upon Select Vestries the environmental consequences of their decisions.
- Include environmental issues in the Churches education programmes at every level.
- Maintain Church environs sympathetically and cherish trees and wildlife.
Promote Environmental responsibility
- Lead by courageous and articulate example
- Cooperate with other people of faith who share these aims.
- Educate members of the public to the moral and economic consequences of inaction.
- Dialogue creatively on these issues with members of the agricultural community.
- Encourage cleaner and more environmentally responsible urban living.
Support Third World Development
- Raise awareness of the effect of climate change on the developing world.
- Support projects that assist those who suffer most from Climate Change.
- Campaign alongside Bishops’ Appeal and similar agencies who work for change.
- Think seriously about how our lifestyle and carbon footprint affect the poor.
- Break the bread in solidarity with those whose future is crushed by our lifestyles.
Policy Change in Church and State
- Use the Churches councils and synods as places of environmental debate and agents of change.
- Raise expectations concerning environmental protection facilities provided by Local Authorities.
- Demonstrate to public representatives that their environmental policies matter by how we vote, lobby and act.
- Draw inspiration from the achievements and experiences of other nations and churches within the European family and seek to contribute ourselves.
- Offer informed and understanding prayers for those who carry great responsibilities in these matters.