Creation Care | Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina

PURPOSE:

To educate and encourage new actions and thought processes so that Creation Care – namely, thought processes and actions that benefit the earth and its inhabitants rather than harm them – becomes a way of life, embodying our Christian call to love God and neighbor.

I am interested in this work

DIOCESAN GOALS & STRATEGIES:

The purpose listed above is an invitation to the creativity and ingenuity of our churches to help us accomplish our priority objective. We do, however, have diocesan-wide goals set to help guide the work. Your gifts are needed, whether to achieve the diocesan goals or to show us additional ways to fulfill our purpose.

Download the in-depth summary of goals and resources (Coming Soon)

Goal 1: Become Deeper Green Churches

Strategies:

Collaboration with Center for Religion and Environment at Sewanee
Connect Creation Care with church life and God’s plan for salvation
Look to the gospel for right relationships
Develop spiritual connections between ecosystems and church
Promote Creation Care curricula and green liturgical resources

Goal 2: Look at Creation Care through a racial equity lens

Strategies:

Networking/Planning with Racial Reconciliation and Social Justice
Episcopal Farmworker Ministry
Assess the racial/social justice implications of every Creation Care project in which we are engaged
Coordinate advocacy efforts around issues of environmental justice

Goal 3: Commit to climate stabilization through emissions reductions

Strategies:

Assist churches in setting up energy assessments
Assist churches in exploring solar energy
Explore opportunities for churches as electric vehicle charging stations
Promote Zero Waste Churches and encourage congregations to implement

Goal 4: Restore the Earth using natural systems

Strategies:

Conservation of resources
Restoration of resources
Improved land management
Restore and maintain wildlife habitats
Reverse biodiversity decline
Increase food security

Goal 5: Engage in environmental advocacy

Strategies:

Collaborate with Bishop’s Council of Advice on Public Policy (CAPP)
Continue to participate in advocacy efforts through affiliation with NC Council of Churches, GreenFaith, Episcopal Public Policy Network, NC Interfaith Power & Light, NC Conservation Network, RAFI-USA and Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
Collaborate with neighboring dioceses to address state environmental concerns
Identify and address local, state and federal advocacy opportunities

WATCH:

Shared at the Special Convention on March 5, 2022, this video provides an overview of what we're trying to accomplish with the priority along with stories of work already happening.

GET STARTED:

Start small and gradually go deeper.
Explore the theology of creation in your life of worship.
Form a congregational Green Team.
Implement and/or share green tips.
Talk about ways to reduce paper, plastic, and food waste.
Get a free energy audit. Turn off the lights when rooms are not in use.
Consider reusable dishware.
Become more intentional as a congregation in highlighting the natural world around us.
Plant a garden or perhaps just a tree.
NEW: Implement COP Prayer Cards into your daily spiritual practice (a gift shared by the Diocese of California)

GO DEEPER:

Explore installing solar panels
Initiate a community composting program
Implement spiritual and educational programs around the nature present on your church campus
Identify and address local, state and federal advocacy opportunities

RESOURCES: