People from across our diocese with a care for the environment came together at Flourish House, Wells on Monday, 22 September, for a Service of Celebration for Creation. Bishop Michael joined the diocesan environmental team and environmental champions from across the diocese to reflect on environmental matters and celebrate God’s wonderful creation.
Sara Emmett, diocesan Climate Justice and Environment Adviser opened the service, before introducing Diocesan Go Team Adviser, Andy Levett who inviting everyone to take a leaf to for a time of reflection and prayer, which were then used to create a cross of leaves. Chaplaincy Adviser, Richard Kelley, then shared some of his reflections on caring for creation.
Net Zero Adviser Dan Wills shared some of the work that is being undertaken across our diocese and how we are reducing our carbon footprint – including Eco Church, Wilder Churches, heating system changes, school improvements – but also highlighted to work we had to do, explaining that as a whole diocese our carbon footprint for the year is the equivalent of over 3,000 flights to Sydney and back.
After sharing some reflections on the theology of creation care, Bishop Michael, shared some thoughts on the work being undertaken across our diocese. He said, “I am so proud of what we are seeing happening in our churches. I want to salute all that has been achieved in our churches, schools and clergy housing. I really hope we continue to build on that and grow that.
He added, “I wonder sometimes if sometimes we undersell ourselves as thought leaders in our communities. How can our example lead wider work across communities? We have a voice, we have examples to give, and we can make a difference more widely.
On closing, Bishop Michael shared the three areas that he would like to see action on across Bath and Wells, he said “It is great that we have 65% of our churches completing our Energy Footprint tool, but it would be great to get to 100%. That could be a game changer because it would enable us to speak with authority.
“I am proud of all the hard work being done around the diocese on Eco Church, which seem to catch up so much of what we want to talk about. It would be lovely to see that more widely adopted and acted up across the diocese.
“Thirdly, I would like us all to think wider and internationality. With our Zambian link we have been talking about our common areas of interest.
"Please may I encourage you in all you do, thank you for all you doing I hope together we can take this further forward so we can have the impact that we all want to see."
Following Bishop Michael was Caroline Pomeroy. As former diocesan environmental adviser she was able to reflect on how far we have come as a diocese, but as a Director of Climate Stewards, she was able to reflect on how Christians around the world have, and to continue to, make a difference. She also commented on hope, in at a time when there is anxiety about climate change.
She said, “We need to focus on what we can do. There is lots of evidence in the gospels of Jesus teaching us to focus on the immediate, on our neighbours. Things are changing, energy is getting cleaner and cheaper. It is helpful if we are aware of that and can talk about that as the narrative is doom in gloom. Also, Christians are really stepping up for climate justice. We have a voice that has integrity, passion and a depth beyond the utilitarian view.”
Drawing on 2 Timothy 1:7 she said, “God gave us a sound mind to make good decisions using the information he has given us.”
Finally, Deborah Von Bergen, from Keinton Mandeville parish gave an insight into Eco Church journey, and the benefits they have already enjoyed as a result – including increased community engagement, improved engagement with children and reducing costs.
She said, “Our journey was relatively simple to bronze, we are now just about to apply for our silver award. I am over the moon to get where we are so far, although gold is a long way away! If you are not yet on that journey, do it. It’s just extraordinary what people come up with, especially children.”