London Diocesan Synod

24/03/09

The Diocesan Synod met on 12 March in a special session to discuss the Diocese's response to environmental issues.

Brian Cuthbertson, the Diocese's Head of Environmental Challenge, explained the context of the work the Diocese. Mr Cuthbertson explained that the Diocese is campaigning to reduce its CO2 emissions by at least 20.12% by the year 2012, and by 80% by 2050. Data collected from parishes from 2005-2007 already shows a 12.8% reduction in the carbon footprint of churches and church halls.

Energy saving projects are taking place at both Diocesan and parish levels, including environment audits; the use of solar panels for churches; energy-efficient re-lighting and lamp replacement schemes.

Various points were raised in the discussion following Mr Cuthbertson's presentation. One question asked whether the environmental challenge was being pushed out due to the current financial crisis. The Bishop of London remarked that experimentation with scenarios of different kinds of reduced carbon economies was taking place involving new industries and technologies, and the church was also playing its part in this.

Synod members were reminded of the excellent advice available in For Creed and Creation, a guidebook for running a greener church, by Gillian Strain and Nathan Oxley. Mr Cuthbertson also referred to How Many Light Bulbs does it take to Change a Christian and Don't Stop at the Lights, both of which are by David Shreeve and Claire Foster and available from Church House Publishing.

Brian Cuthbertson outlined the Diocese’s relationship to the national Church in relation to environmental matters, especially its commitment to the national Shrinking the Footprint campaign. A significant contribution is already being made to implementing the Mission and Public Affairs Commission’s report to General Synod in 2008, concerning climate change and human security. Collaboration is being promoted between the diocese, areas and parishes; and the Head of Environmental Challenge has been consulted about the proposed partnership with Tearfund on a climate adaptation fund for communities in developing countries.

Responding to a question about interfaith cooperation on environmental concerns, the Archdeacon of Northolt mentioned a number of projects working in this area, including a partnership with A Rocha (a Christian environmental conservation organisation) in Southall.

Michael Bye, Director of Property, briefed the Synod on the ways in which vicarages are being made greener. When the five-year inspections are carried out, home energy surveys are also conducted, and loft insulation is installed to the current building regulation standard.

In the second half of Synod, Brian Cuthbertson presented a paper concerning the proposed expansion of Heathrow airport. Mr Cuthbertson amplified various points in his report. He also stated that there would be a meeting with BAA’s Strategy Director to discuss the Diocese's environmental position concerning Heathrow.

The report contained a summary of the arguments relating to Heathrow expansion, including the effect on communities and churches, and on climate change. On the basis of the evidence contained in the report, the Head of Environmental Challenge concluded that if the current aviation policy were to continue in its present form, it would no longer be feasible for the UK to meet its obligations in relation to climate change.

The Bishop of Willesden joined other members of the Synod in complimenting the measured and rational approach of the report. He commented that many parishes and communities near to Heathrow would be greatly affected, and both he and the Archdeacon of Northolt were offering as much pastoral assistance as they could to local congregations and parishioners; an expression of the support of the Diocese to those affected would be valued.

The Synod adopted the report, voting 64 in favour, five against with three abstentions.

At the end of the meeting, the Bishop of London thanked the Revd Oliver Osmond for his years of service on the Diocesan Synod. Mr Osmond has been a member since 1982 and is now to step down. The other members of Synod expressed their gratitude.

Download:	Diocesan Heathrow Airport report