Climate Change Group
In the Bible, the very first story, the story of creation, speaks of how God saw all that he had made and that it was good. It goes on, in Genesis 1:38, to give human being the role of being a steward of creation – of providing order, protection and preservation. This is part of our calling as Christians. We are called to protect, preserve and guard the world in the which we live and work, alongside all the creatures of creation. How we do that, in this current world structure, is a big question.
The Diocesan Climate Change Group
We do not have all the answers, but the Diocesan Climate Change Group exists to help members of the diocese as we seek to answer that question. Part of our remit is to help the diocese think about issues around climate change and net zero, especially as the SEC as a whole works towards being Net Zero by 2030, and to not only think but act. Members of the group are drawn from around the diocese and are available to help signpost individuals and charges to resources, provide information, and enable discussion. We work alongside the SEC Net Zero coordinators.
The current convenor of the group is Martin Auld.
We are always looking for new members of the group. If you feel is something you may be interested in, please contact the convenor, Martin Auld via the diocesan office.
Things you can do
Here are some examples of things you can do, some of them on a personal level, some of them as congregations:
- Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle – do you know what can be recycled? Does your church? Does your community?
- Join your local Climate Action Network – NESCAN
- Fill in the Net Zero Toolkit and Energy Analyser. These can be found on the provincial net zero website – Provincial Net Zero
- Sign up to be a member of Ecocongregations Scotland
- Add the topic of Climate Change and Net Zero as a regular item on your vestry agenda
- Plan events around the Season of Creation from the 1st September to the 4th October. You can find material produced by the DCCG for the Season of Creation here.
- The SEC has produced liturgical material for use over this period
The provincial Net Zero portal contains an increasing amount of information and links to wider church and organisational resources: Provincial Net Zero Portal.
Collect for the season of Creation:
God Most High, maker of heaven and earth,
you created humankind in your own image
and entrusted the whole world to human care:
give us grace to serve you faithfully,
that we might be trustworthy stewards of your creation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.