Anglicans Have a Duty to Creation

For the members of St. Jude’s, this duty manifests itself in the greening of our spiritual home (e.g., see the 2024 Energy Audit), and greening of our individual homes and lives (e.g., the examples in the 2024 survey).

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.  (Genesis 1:31, 2:15)

Creation is, indeed, very good. And though climate change is a serious threat to our world and the creatures in it, we know that the Creator is still at work and can renew anything. Yet, we cannot ignore our responsibility to tend this garden that God has given us. To do so is part of our worship as well as our witness. It is in our baptismal covenant, in scripture and in General Synod Resolutions.

“Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth?”

“I will, with God’s help.” - The Baptismal Covenant, Book of Alternative Services, p. 159

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

“We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of the earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honour and glory of your name, now and forever.” The Book of Common Prayer (1549)

Anglican Church of Canada General Synod Resolutions

Greening Committee News

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Excerpt from St. Jude’s Operating Guidelines re: Greening Committee

“To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”

  1. We believe all people are called by God to be stewards of this creation and that it is becoming clearer every day that our planet is in need of greater care. The Greening Ministry of St. Jude’s Church mandate is to:
  2. Gather and analyze information about the current uses of energy and materials in the church buildings and grounds and seek potentially more eco-friendly alternatives, in the spirit of getting our own house in order before we reach out;
  3. Make recommendations to the Parish Council on ways to make our buildings and grounds more eco-sustainable by reducing carbon emissions, use of toxic substances and the production of garbage, and by increasing the proportion of renewable energy usage, recycling and composting;
  4. Provide helpful information and motivating experiences, to encourage the households and members of the congregation to practice eco-sustainable life styles; and
  5. Be aware of and promote where appropriate and with the support of the Corporation and Parish Council, the eco-sustainability programs of the Anglican Church of Canada, ecumenical bodies, civic organizations and government bodies.

The coordinator of this ministry is elected by the Vestry.

Links to Select Online Resources

Links to Local Greening Resources