At the Diocesan Synod held in 2010 the diocese adopted the following Environmental Policy:
DIOCESE
OF JOHANNESBURG
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
A quote from Archbishop Thabo
“That
there is life on this planet is a miracle in itself. It is the most serious of sins that we humans
are threatening this life. For too long we have selfishly misused and abused
God’s mandate to “have dominion over” creation (Genesis 1:28). Now is the time to recognize that we have a
responsibility to God to care for this intricate web of life, acknowledging
that “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it” (Psalm 24).
Guided
by our Diocesan vision, we commend all parishes and Diocesan organisations to
pursue responsible environmental management through:
·
Visionary
servant leadership from within the parish or organisation
·
Developing
a vibrant community who are committed to
a sustainable environment
·
Focused
partnerships with nearby communities where possible
Environmental
management activities should focus on: ·
Compliance
with applicable legislation
·
Reducing
the ecological footprint of the parish or organisation
·
Enhancing
the environmental knowledge of our members
·
Meeting
sound environmental practices as far as possible
·
Encouraging
our members to do the same at home, in their communities and their places of
work.
·
Integrating
environmental awareness into our worship and other group activities
·
Evaluating
our performance regularly and improving this where possible
·
Maintaining
active membership of the Johannesburg Anglican Environmental Initiative (JAEI) ·
Partnering
with nearby communities to combine resources and address environmental issues.
Application of this policy is an important
legacy for future generations.
Further
policy statements and related guidelines may be issued from time-to-time on
specific environmental issues.
DIOCESE
OF JOHANNESBURG