The Anglican Communion Environmental Network is a worldwide organization by the Anglican church that addresses issues related to climate change and has been for quite some time now. The Network has done numerous charities across the globe to sensitize communities on their work and how these communities can come together and address climate change or reverse the effects of global warming (ICSD). The organization focuses on sensitization campaigns both online and offline, often talking with the followers of the church and members of the public about the effects of their various actions on the environment and the importance of taking cautionary measures to ensure that these actions are in line with the global strategies employed to fight climate change and retard the effects of global warming.
Speaking with the priests in various churches in the area has made one thing clear, that sustainability is the role of everyone, not just the government. Moreover, Christians have an obligation to take care of God’s creations, and the environment is one such creation. The priest informed me that one cannot claim to be a good Christian while taking part in actions likely to result in detrimental effects on the environment (ICSD). A good Christian is one that speaks up when they are confronted with issues such as those that threaten the environment and takes affirmative action in addressing the issues, rather than mulling over potential solutions to be undertaken by others (Diocese of London). In his eyes, a good Christian not only observes and reports but also takes action to stop threats to the environment when he or she can and share information with the authorities when need be.
Through the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Anglican church has embraced science as a potential solution to climate change. It has invested heavily in research around the globe, with a focus on the most appropriate scientific interventions to address climate change. The Network is primarily focused on taking targeted actions to reduce the carbon footprint on the environment by delving into significant research to expose the effects of greenhouse gases and create a public discourse around climate change (Anglican Communion). It has thus far been successful on that front, with a majority of the followers of the denomination in Los Angeles and the rest of the world ever so wary of their role in greenhouse emissions and seeking to find ways to address the scourge (Diocese of London). An organization initially built around offering believers food for their souls has since transitioned to hold bigger and take more roles through science and create more awareness.
The role played by the church in tackling issues around the environment and conservation efforts call for everyone involved to come together and help tackle the problem. The primary role of the church goes beyond teaching believers about the Bible and other aspects of the church to further encompass their duty to inform the same congregation about conservation. For example, the All-Saints Anglican Church in LA has identified issues such as the wildfires in California as central to its mission of protecting the environment (Anglican Communion). In doing so, the church has begun speaking with its congregants to give them a better understanding of the important role they play in either furthering the damages from the fires in future, if they fail to take corrective measures and help alleviate the impacts of the issue.
Throughout my field expedition, I have come to appreciate the church for what it is doing to ensure we protect the environment. The Anglican church, in particular, is moving with speed to cut down their own carbon emissions by promoting the use of renewable energy. At LA’s All Saints Anglican Church, the use of renewable energy has become central to the church’s activities and what it preaches to its congregants (Anglican Communion). The priest informed me that the church has vowed to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by investing in electric vehicles for the pastors and other members of the church and promoting the followers to choose cleaner ways of transit to the church. While it is in the introductory stages, there is the promise of it being successful in the future with more people embracing it.
At LA’s All Saints Anglican Church, the believers are encouraged to walk to the church when they are not from far away or attend churches that are close by to their homes so that they reduce their carbon footprint (Diocese of London). The priest informed me that the church is currently working with its congregation and other stakeholders to promote carpooling for people coming from far-flung parts of California Moreover, the church is also asking its congregants to switch to commute options such as public transport when they can, or even ride bikes to the location (Anglican Communion). These initiatives, as shared by the priest, speaks volumes of the role played by the church to combat global warming and climate change.
It is apparent that the church is supremely committed to ensuring that they play their part in the war against global warming. As an organization whose role is completely different from environmental conservation, the church continues to take action without expecting anything back and without the funding that other environmental organizations have, but reaching millions of congregants in LA and the rest of the world. Thus, the church should be applauded for its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and share such stringing issues with their millions of followers from around the globe (Diocese of London). The All-Saints Anglican Church in LA is taking crucial measures, even cutting down on its energy needs and settling for cleaner energy to carry out its daily operational activities. It is acting as a good example to other denominations of the need to be vocal and take part in environmental awareness campaigns.
Works Cited
Anglican Communion. “The Anglican Communion And The Sustainable Development Goals”. Anglicancommunion.Org, 2021, https://www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/at-the-un/the-anglican-communion-and-the-sustainable-development-goals.aspx.
Diocese of London. “Environment And Sustainability”. Diocese Of London, 2021, https://www.london.anglican.org/mission/environment/.
ICSD. “Anglican Views On Climate Change | The Interfaith Center For Sustainable Development”. The Interfaith Center For Sustainable Development | Uniting For A Sustainable Future, 2021, https://www.interfaithsustain.com/anglican-views-on-climate-change/.
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