2019 Single-Use Plastic Motion 

Declaration of a Climate Emergency and Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
The Reverend Leslie Gerlofs / Mrs. Sue Carson

‘WHEREAS Bishop Susan Bell, along with the Anglican Church of Canada, has identified the climate crisis and environmental degradation to all that God has created as the most pressing moral issue of our time;

AND WHEREAS Christians have a sacred duty to steward the Earth’s resources responsibly, identified clearly in our Baptismal covenant and the 5th Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion;

AND WHEREAS all parishes and members of the Diocese of Niagara have been urged to advocate for strong and resolute political action to address the climate crisis as laid out in the Bishop’s recent statement coinciding with the worldwide climate strike, https://niagaraanglican.ca/news/bishop-bells-responds-to-climateaction-week;

BE IT RESOLVED that this Synod recognize there is a global climate emergency;

AND THAT this Synod declare a Climate Emergency, in solidarity with climate scientists and the global environmental movement calling for urgent action to significantly reduce our carbon emissions;

AND THAT this Synod urge the Bishop and diocesan leaders to advocate for sustainable environmentally-sound government policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumption levels;

AND THAT this Synod encourage parishes to commit to an intentional observance of the global and ecumenical Season of Creation, September 1st to October 4th;

AND THAT this Synod direct diocesan staff to phase-out the purchase and use of single-use plastics, including rigid foam, within the synod office and for diocesan services, meetings, and events by 2022.’