Executive Summary of the SEC's Most Recent Bishop's Report

Guided by the Anglican Communion's fifth Mark of Mission, "To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew life of the earth" the SEC has engaged in a wide range of environmental advocacy including reporting on faith based news, releasing statements, supporting events, and disseminating resources. We have written reports, held vigils and hosted events. We have also engaged in direct action, organized speaking conferences, and created a survey. One of the outstanding highlights of the SEC's efforts was the successful fossil fuel divestment motion that was passed in the Anglican Diocese of Montreal on October 16th, 2015. We are currently working on the production of a short environmentally themed film called Aya'sMirror that is scheduled to be released in September.

SEC’S Activities Over the Last Five Years

As we embark on a new decade, we have taken a moment to reflect on the Stewardship of the Environment Committee's (SEC) accomplishments. Through our social media channels, we report on faith based environmental news and provide resources to Christians and others in and beyond our community.  We create quarterly reports, support events, disseminate information, engage in direct actions, organize speakers conferences and hold vigils. Most recently we are working on the production of a short environmentally themed film. 

 

One of the outstanding highlights of the SEC's efforts was the successful fossil fuel divestment motion that was passed in the Anglican Diocese of Montreal on October 16th, 2015. Here is the presentation delivered in support of the motion by SEC Chair Richard Matthews. In support of this motion we consulted widely within the diocese and we published a wide range of support materials including a FAQ and a statement of support from Dr. Brooke Struck.

A Faith Based Case for Climate Action (SEC Environmental Report)

SEC Environmental Report

July 2019 – December 2019

A Faith Based Case for Climate Action

 

Prepared for Bishop Mary

Anglican Diocese of Montreal

Prepared by Richard Matthews

Chairperson of the SEC

January 1, 2020

No. 7

People of Faith Improve the Efficacy of Protest

Climate protests are sometimes dismissed as ineffective however, recent research suggests that climate protests work and faith communities may be contributing to the efficacy of these efforts. In fact the involvement of people of faith may play a key role.

As explored by Grist's Kate Yoder, despite research that suggests, "loud public protests could easily backfire" a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Education, found that environmental protests work.

According to the study, "climate marches can not only boost activists’ likability, but also encourage bystanders to think we all can work together to take on the climate crisis." Even people who got their news from conservative media, "developed stronger beliefs in collective efficacy — the idea that we can tackle climate change together".

This kind of mass mobilization, “counters the narrative that no one cares about climate change,” he said. “If we were just mobilizing the usual activist base, I know for a fact it wouldn’t have had the same impact.”

Click here to see the SEC's short film The Seed.

Related
Introducing the SEC's Eightfold Path of Environmental Action
Right Understanding: Knowing the facts about climate change
Right Thought: How we think about the natural world
Right Speech: Effective environmental communications
Right Action: Making smaller footprints
Right Works: Efforts that benefit the planet
Right Effort: Choosing a cause
Right Concentration: Staying focused on creation
Right Mindfulness: Managing ecological stress