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Faith Based Environmental Initiatives in Canada

Joanne Moyer: The King's University 

United Church of Canada

About: The United Church of Canada was inaugurated in 1925 as a union of the Methodist Church, the Congregational Union of Canada, and 70 per cent of the Presbyterian Church of Canada. They are active in the community, participate in social justice, welcoming of all people into the church.

 

Environmental Activities:

  • In 1974, the Evangelism and Service Board produced a document discussing the roots of environmental problems, focusing on consumerism and industrialism.
  • In 1977, the United Church Taskforce on the Environment produced a statement describing the human role as gardeners and partners.
  • A petition in 1982 to the General Council led to a study and consultation (in 1984) on acid rain.
  • The United Church began work on climate change in 1988, and was the first member of the World Council of Churches to draft an official statement on global warming.
  • The One Earth Community document, developed in 1992, has provided the key policy framework for the church’s environmental advocacy work in the last few decades.
  • In 1997, the United Church participated in an interdenominational initiative to pressure the Canadian government to sign the Kyoto protocol.
  • In 2005, a Lenten series on water resulted a culture of disapproval for bottled water use.
  • The Season of Creation in September is promoted with supporting worship resources.
  • The United Church website includes an extensive page on climate change.
  • Climate change advocacy work by the United Church of Canada includes writing media pieces, voting to divest from fossil fuels assets in 2015, and regularly participating in the U.N. Conference of the Parties (COP) climate meetings, often as part of the World Council of Churches delegation. After the Paris COP, the United Church committed to long term global emission reduction consistent with the Paris Accord targets. The church is also a member of the Climate Action Network.
  • The United Church of Canada has signed various statements, including:
    • “The Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change” (2011)
    • “On Promoting Climate Justice and Ending Poverty in Canada Faith Communities in Canada Speak Out” (2015)
    • “Common Declaration of Canadian Churches on Climate Change “‘Creating a Climate of Hope’” (Green Churches Network, 2015)
    • “The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties 22 Interfaith Statement” (2016)
  • The United Church of Canada provides institutional supports for a number of faith-based organizations including KAIROS, the Green Action Network, Greening Sacred Spaces, the Green Churches Network, and the Green Faith Alliance.
  • Selected congregational level initiatives:
    • Bathurst United Church has an ecological covenant.
    • Humbercrest United Church participates in the climate fast and lobbying Member of Parliament.
    • Several Ottawa congregations are working on climate change and oceans
    • The Ottawa Presbytery is reducing their climate footprint.
    • Trinity St. Paul’s Church (Toronto) was the first Christian congregation in Canada to  divest from fossil fuels in 2014.

 

Staff:

  • In 1979, the General Office social justice staff added energy and environment to the portfolio. There has been staffing support for environmental work for four decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, the United Church shared their environmental staff person with the World Council of Churches. Currently, various staff positions cover environmental concerns, including: Advocacy and Campaigns (climate justice); the Worship Desk (prepare materials for the Season of Creation); Social Analysis and Congregational Engagement; Chief Financial Officer (lowering carbon footprints for congregations and divestment policy).

 

Partnerships:

 

 

Green Awakening Network

About: The Green Awakening Network was established in 2008 as a network of United Church congregations, as well as other faith groups located in Toronto and area. They are dedicated to responding to climate change through reduction of building and individual carbon footprints and lifestyle change.

 

Environmental Activities:

  • Provide communication links and resources to churches through their website, workshops, and webinars.
  • Assist with church green teams and energy audits.
  • Provide Sustainable Energy Loans.
  • Host an annual forum in partnership with Greening Sacred Spaces.
  • Provide resources on divestment from fossil fuels.

 

Partnerships:

 

 

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United Church of Canada

Green Awakening Network