The Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown, meeting under the chairmanship of Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali at St Alban’s Church in East London, has passed a resolution on climate change.
The Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown, meeting under the chairmanship of Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali at St Alban’s Church in East London, has passed a resolution on climate change.
The motion was adopted unanimously and resolved that a committee be set up to collect information to educate parishioners on environmental issues, to provide practical suggestions on how to implement a “green strategy” and to set up a “green policy” with measurable outcomes and targets for all Diocesan properties and parishes to adhere to.
It will also be ensured that all parishes adhere to these provisions. The motion was proposed by Canon Richard Wyngaard of St Alban’s Church.
Among recommendations to parishes were the use of dual flush toilets and solar heaters where possible and energy saving lights and rainwater tanks at all church properties.
In addition the synod will be requesting that the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown, where Anglican ministers are trained, includes environmental issues in the curriculum, and will appeal to the provincial synod to consider implementing a similar policy in the Anglican Church in Southern Africa as a whole.
The Diocese of Grahamstown consists of more than 40 parishes including the whole of East London and Grahamstown, together with King William’s Town, Alice, Adelaide, Bedford, Fort Beaufort, Port Alfred and surrounding villages.
The synod meets about every three years and is the main decision-making body of the diocese. All the licensed clergy attend, as well as lay representatives from all the parishes, diocesan boards and organisations.
