In June 2022, the Gippsland Synod met and adopted the following motion: "That this Synod makes action on climate change a major focus for the Diocese of Gippsland over the coming three-year cycle of Synod, with parishes and all Diocesan Bodies making a commitment to:
- Study the theology of creation and other relevant theology
- Learn about climate change, including its current and anticipated future impacts
- Act to reduce emissions from church buildings and vehicles and to adopt patterns of church life that work towards this end
- Encourage individuals to reduce household emissions
- Pray for the wellbeing of all creation
Prayers and liturgical resources
Prayer for the wellbeing of all creation:
Creator God, giver of life
You sustain the earth and direct the nations
In this time of climate crisis
Grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor
Challenge us to change our lifestyles
Guide our leaders to take courageous action
Enable your church to be a beacon of hope
Foster within us a renewed vision of your purposes for your world
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
By and for whom all things were made. AMEN
Prayer offered by Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrel, prior to COP26.
Theology of Creation
This section gives you resources to study the theology of creation and other relevant theology.
Books
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Cornford, Jonathan: Coming Back to Earth – Essays on the Church, Cities, Agriculture and Eating (2016) Morning Star Publishing
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Cornford, Jonathan: Coming Home. Discipleship, Ecology and Everyday Economics (2019) Morning Star Publishing
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Dawson, Claire & Pope, Dr Mick, A Climate of Hope: Church & Mission in a Warming World (2014) UNOH Publishing
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Davis, Ellen F: Scripture, Culture and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible (2008) Cambridge University Press
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Delio, Ilia; Warner, Keith Douglass; Wood, Pamela: Care for Creation. A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth. (1999). St Anthony Messenger Press.
- Pope, Mick: Climate Justice. Loving Your Neighbour in a Warming World. (2017) Morning Star Publishing
Practical action in homes and Parishes
This section links you to information that will give you ideas to improve your climate impact at home and in your Parish.
What can I do today at home?
1.Compare energy providers and take advantage of the Victorian Government’s Power Saving Bonus Program. The new round will be available from 24 March 2023 to 31 August 2023. All eligible Victorian households are able to apply for a $250 payment under the current round of the Power Saving Bonus Program, including any households who have received payments through previous rounds of the program. Link
2. Understand your energy usage. Check your gas and electricity bills for information. This Victorian Government website is a reliable information source Link
3. Recycle as often as you can. Here’s a helpful tool from Sustainability Victoria
4.Increase your composting of food waste. The Clean Up Australia website says "approximately 92% of household food waste still goes directly to landfill, where it anaerobically decomposes, expelling methane – a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide to the atmosphere." Read more at this link
5.Transport choices and holiday destinations. Consider if you have alternatives for modes of transport for your daily living and holidays. Seeking to reduce the use of fossil fuels in cars and aeroplanes will help. Read about ‘Climate change and flying: what share of global CO2 emissions come from aviation?’ at this link
What can I do in my Parish?
- IDEAS TO COME…standby!
#Other webinars brought to you by ACTinG
ACTinG Rainforests in East Gippsland Webinar
Food Security Webinar
Action on Climate Together in Gippsland Webinar - ACTinG