From Neutral to Negative: True Environmental Stewardship
The journey of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Davis, California, offers a powerful example for Episcopal churches worldwide in their quest to become carbon neutral. It is our duty to lead the charge in making our places of worship symbols of our commitment to God's creation.
Our sacred scriptures provide a robust theological foundation for environmental responsibility. Genesis 2:15 commands humanity to "work and take care of" the Garden of Eden, establishing a covenant that requires active engagement in the preservation of our environment. Psalm 24:1 underscores that our planet is a divine trust, demanding we act judiciously towards the Earth. Leviticus 25:23-24 emphasizes the necessity of preserving the Earth's vitality for future generations.
The story of St. Martin’s serves as an inspiring example but also highlights that carbon neutrality is not enough. When their HVAC system failed in the winter of 2016-2017, the congregation chose to endure cold services rather than rush to replace it with another fossil fuel-dependent system. This discomfort led to a greater commitment to sustainability. They installed an all-electric heat pump system, replaced gas-powered appliances with electric versions, and expanded their solar energy capacity. By 2021, St. Martin’s had become carbon neutral and was certified as a “cool congregation” by Interfaith Power & Light. However, given the escalating climate crisis, neutrality is insufficient. We must aim higher—to go carbon negative.
The Episcopal Church's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, established during the 2022 General Convention, is an ambitious yet insufficient goal. With 6,294 congregations nationwide, surpassing carbon neutrality and driving forward to the positive impact of carbon negativity requires collective effort and determination. The Church’s creation care covenant urges Episcopalians to adopt practical ways of reducing their climate impact and to commit to “living more humbly and gently on Earth.”
For Episcopal churches, the journey towards carbon negativity involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient measures, engaging congregations in environmental initiatives, and advocating for environmental policies.
The environmental crisis is a profound moral and spiritual challenge. The prophetic call of Micah 6:8, "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God," resonates deeply in the context of environmental justice. Climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, particularly in the developing world, where heat waves, droughts, and other climate-related disasters exacerbate poverty and suffering. Our response must be grounded in compassion and justice, recognizing our responsibility to those who are most affected by our environmental impact.
St. Martin’s example, along with the Episcopal Church’s commitment to carbon neutrality, demonstrates that faith and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked. As Episcopalians, we are called to not only profess our faith but practice it through our commitment to the stewardship of God's creation.
The call to go carbon negative and rely solely on green energy sources is not just an environmental imperative but a manifestation of our faith in action. By embracing this challenge, Episcopal churches can lead the way in creating a sustainable and equitable future, honoring both the Creator and His creation, and showing solidarity with those who suffer the most from climate change. Let us rise to this occasion, reaffirming our dedication to environmental stewardship and our role as custodians of the Earth.