Caring for the environment

The fifth mark of mission of the Anglican Communion is ‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth’. At a time when we see increasing threats from climate change, and ecological crises threatening both biodiversity and people, we need to understand how we can make a change both in our own lives and in our society. Two years ago the Cathedral’s Lent theme was the environment, and we learned about some of our responsibilities as Christians. One of the messages was that care for the environment, and concern for environmental justice, is part of our Christian life, not something in addition to it.

So how can care for the environment be a part of our Christian life? One way is of course to become part of the local or national wildlife organizations – just take a look at the links on the Hertfordshire Natural History Society page (www.hnhs.org/links). For a directly Christian approach a helpful set of resources can be found at the Green Christian website (www. greenchristian.org.uk), including ideas for activity, prayer and worship (and sermons, for our clergy readers). Green Christian is a group of ordinary Christians, who we can join, learn from and learn with. It is not only a national group – there is a St Albans group, Hope in Action (www.hopeinaction.uk/st-albans-hope-inaction).

Another local group is Sustainable St Albans (www. sustainablestalbans.org), again with many opportunities to get involved. This year its sustainability festival ‘SustFest’ is from 10 - 18 June and the Cathedral will, as usual, be involved. Our proposed event, the St Albans Community Showcase, is timed to be at the beginning of SustFest.

The Cathedral is working hard to get the Silver Eco Church award (www.ecochurch.arocha.org.uk). This is not just something that the Cathedral does; it is based on what we all do as members of the Cathedral community. Do look at the A Rocha site for ideas, and maybe sign up to their newsletter. The Cathedral is also committed to net zero carbon; this is not a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘have to have’. Around the world people are suffering because of climate change, and what we do to minimise our carbon footprint is part of our commitment to reducing this impact. Take a look at Will Gibbs’ article in this issue for information on what is going on.

We are also active at the Diocesan level, with our Alban Intern Izzy Godwin bringing a youth perspective to the Diocesan Environment Group. This group is intended to support parishes across the Diocese in their environmental work.

Finally, one practical thing you can do is to join our Eco Team. Our plans this year include further development of the Cathedral House Flat Garden as a biodiverse area and learning more about the biodiversity of the Cathedral grounds. We look forward to seeing you!

Chris Lyal