Ecology

Creating a society that lives more lightly on the Earth calls us to action at a global, national, local, and personal level. Each Canadian consumes over five times as much as what is truly sustainable over the long term. In order to protect current and future generations of life, we need to work—as individuals and as communities—to reduce our "ecological footprint."

These resources can assist congregations and communities to become One Earth Communities as recommended by the General Council in 2003. For information on global sustainability, see Sustainable Economy.

Information and Action

• The Earth Charter
  The United Church has endorsed the Earth Charter, the product of a worldwide, cross-cultural conversation for a truly sustainable human society.
• Greening Sacred Spaces
  A practical program to assist faith communities to renew the sacred balance through creating Green Teams and energy retrofits; includes resources such as a green guide, energy action planner, and energy efficiency guide.
• The Green Rule
  The Green Rule is selected from many of the world's great religious texts and spiritual teachings, and shows that each tradition has insights for ecological stewardship.

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Related Partners and Programs

The United Church works in partnership with organizations in Canada and around the world to cultivate sustainable communities, including the following:

• Asian Rural Institute (Japan)
  ARI provides hands-on, community-based education in technology and sustainable agriculture to rural people to enhance resources and abilities for the common good.
• Green Communities Canada (Canada)
  A national network of community-based non-profit organizations whose innovative ecological programs focus on household and community action such as energy audits and retrofits, walkable communities, and green information technology.
• Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation (India)
  Advocates and works to protect coastal ecology with other progressive and democratic organizations, government institutions, scientists, and environmentalists.
• Institute of Religion and Culture (Philippines)
  IRC works to raise ecological awareness, advocate for ecological protection, and create sustainable livelihoods, particularly with children, youth, and women.

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Conference Connections

United Church communities work to foster sustainable communities through a variety of initiatives at the local and regional level. Here follow a few examples from several Conferences:

• Alberta Northwest
  Calgary area United Church and KAIROS groups participate in the Greening the Church and Re-energize Campaigns as well as advocate against the use of pesticides.
• Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario
  Inner-city ministries of Winnipeg Presbytery, including St. Matthew's Maryland Community Ministry and West Broadway Community Ministry, work on community gardening projects. The Interfaith Task Group on Northern Development examines, educates and does advocacy related to the impact on rivers, beaches, and wildlife of northern development projects.
• Montreal and Ottawa
  The Green Church Project, which grew out of the rooftop garden initiative at St. Columba House in Montreal, is supporting green projects in congregations. It uses stories, images, and tools to share what diverse churches are doing to live in respect with creation.
• Saskatchewan
  The Calling Lakes Education Centre is committed to educating about and modelling eco-sustainability.

For more information on initiatives in your local area, please contact your local Conference office.

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Background, Resources, and Links

• Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
  Faith and the Common Good's greenhouse gas calculator helps users calculate their carbon footprint, find ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to energy efficiency/retrofit projects in faith communities.
• The Earth Charter Initiative Website
  The initiative's website includes an extensive resource section as well as the text of the charter in 31 languages.
• Earth Day Canada
  Earth Day, celebrated every April 22, is celebrated by people around the globe. Find out about this year's theme, resources, and events in your area.
• Earth Sunday, Environment Sunday, and Season of Creation
  Liturgical, worship, and study resources for congregations related to ecojustice and care of creation themes.
• Greening the Church
  A United Church resource for individuals and church groups, this guide offers practical ways to reduce your church's energy consumption and use energy that is more ecologically sustainable.
• Living for the Earth: Choosing Creation over Empire (May 2009 Mandate)
  How can we live in ways that respect creation and counter the culture of empire that surrounds us? Stories, worship, Bible study resources, and more.
• Living for the Earth: Year 2 (May 2010 Mandate)
  Ways that congregations and individuals can live in Earth-friendly ways, highlighting: land use and food security; climate change; Season of Creation; “This Worked” – stories of congregational actions to care for Creation.
• Living in Right Relationship with Creation (May 2006 Mandate)
  This issue of Mandate highlights living in right relationship with creation. Content includes stories, worship material, Bible study and program material, and resource lists.
• Season of Creation
  Liturgical and worship resources, Bible studies, and curriculum ideas on creation themes.
• Web of Creation: Ecology Resources to Transform Faith and Theology
  Web of Creation is specifically aimed at theological students interested in environmental ministry. It features a wide range of ideas, resources, and strategies for doing eco-justice. See especially Philip Hefner's sermon Techno-Earth and the Rainbow Covenant, which is cited in the United Church Lenten publication Living Covenant.

For more information contact:

• Joy Kennedy
  Program Coordinator, Poverty, Wealth, and Ecological Justice
  Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4069
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4069
  E-mail: Joy Kennedy