To the Deputies and Bishops of The Episcopal Church assembled at the 81st General Convention:

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention commend the Creation Care Justice Network in the Dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts for the ongoing development of “An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice,” a four-level program to encourage and support Episcopal congregations in responding to the climate emergency, a program that includes:

              • providing a trained Companion to accompany and guide each enrolled congregation;

              • developing and sharing curated and original resources around Prayer, Learning, Action, and Advocacy;

              • offering a step by step, comprehensive, and faith-based approach to amplify and accelerate congregational engagement in the work of Creation justice.

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention commend the continued development of this program and encourage its adaptation and use in other dioceses.

EXPLANATION
An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice (the Path) is a project of the grassroots Creation Care Justice Network (CCJN) in the Dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts. Inspired by the Episcopal Covenant to Care of Creation, as well as by programs from ecumenical partners such as the UCC Creation Justice Churches and UU Green Sanctuaries, the Path aims to provide a model that provides specific, measurable, and effective ways for congregations to carry out this covenant. 

Recognizing that the climate crisis is not merely an information-based challenge, the Path seeks to encourage a complete, values-based shift in all aspects of our lives in line with the Gospel. The pillars (Pray, Learn, Act, Advocate) provide the structure of the Path. Each pillar is equally important and guides congregations through practices and ways to engage in Creation care at a local level.  A trained mentor (Companion) partners with each member parish to evaluate, set goals, hold accountability, and encourage progress.

The Path recently completed a pilot phase with twelve congregations in Province One. In the fall, 2024, the Path will be actively implemented in all dioceses in Province One and available for adaptation and use in The Episcopal Church. 

The Path has received funding from the two Episcopal dioceses in Massachusetts, Province One, and the Task Force for Creation Care and Environmental Racism.

LINKS

An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice

https://www.episcopalcreationpath.org/

Episcopal Covenant to Care of Creation
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/CC-creation_care_covenant_action.pdf

Respectfully submitted,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Fisher (Diocese of Western Massachusetts)