Our Mandate

The people of the Diocese of Niagara have long expressed a concern for creation consistent with the Fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion, “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the earth.” In 2019, the synod of the diocese declared a climate emergency; Bishop Susan Bell urged Niagara Anglicans, “to live up to our responsibility as the protectors of God’s earth.”

Climate Justice Niagara will equip the leaders and people of the diocese to live more deeply into the Fifth Mark of Mission and our diocesan Mission Action Plan within our parishes, homes and communities and to be strong advocates for local and global change in the following ways:

• Prayer – Ensure that prayers and concern for climate justice become an integral part of parish life. Promote prayer, fasting and sacred worship practices throughout the year, but particularly during the Season of Creation and Earth Sunday.


• Education – Equip and inspire climate justice facilitators and teams by developing and disseminating resources. Maintain the Green Parish Accreditation Program and encourage parishes to participate. Disseminate current evidence-based knowledge about the climate crisis and environmental best practices.


• Action – Provide climate justice facilitators and clergy and lay leaders with the tools to ensure their parishes can become more politically active, with an eye to the provision of impactful advocacy and care for God’s creation. Assist parishes reduce their carbon footprint by implementing the energy conservation measures as outlined in the accreditation program.


• Advocacy – Model strong leadership and resolute political action to address the climate crisis. Support parish and diocesan leaders in recognizing the impact that climate change can have on vulnerable groups in our communities. Develop tools for parishes to ensure they become more politically active in environmental issues and climate justice.

Committee Composition & Meetings

The chair of the committee shall be appointed by the bishop. The committee shall consist of no more than twelve people appointed by the Bishop of Niagara on the recommendation of the chair and program consultant for social justice and outreach. The program consultant shall serve as an ex-officio member. Members shall serve for a two-year term, renewable two times. The committee shall normally meet monthly, at the call of the chair.

Remuneration

Members of the committee are volunteers and shall not receive remuneration. Mileage may be reimbursed according to the diocesan policy on Mileage Reimbursement as a Tax Receipt. If approved in advance by the Treasurer, a member may also submit a receipt for reimbursement of specific expenses related to committee activities.