“to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.”

To further the overall aim and support the implementation of the motion, the Group will be involved in:

Developing: theology and worship concerning the integrity of creation, and monitoring developments in the relevant science.

Networking: The group will seek to build networks within the diocese, particularly of those with expertise in the relevant theology and science together with enthusiastic advocates in Parishes and Deaneries. Within the BSR it will network with the Rural Officer, the World Development Adviser and the Mission to Work and Economic Life team as appropriate. It will link with appropriate ecumenical and interfaith groups within the Diocese, as well as with appropriate national organizations.

Advising the Diocesan Management, the Deaneries and the Parishes on policy and practice concerning environmental issues, particularly on reducing carbon emissions.

Teaching clergy and lay people on environmental matters by supporting or sponsoring appropriate training courses and by maintaining lists of speakers.

Supporting environmental initiatives in the Diocese, giving particular attention to efforts to achieve the targets set by the Synod. The support includes facilitating links between churches and relevant statutory agencies and appropriate local organisations.

Coordinating with the Diocese through the Board of Social Responsibility, and generally forming a focus for ideas, advice, good practice and other information on environmental matters.

At present, the main focus is on implementing the Diocesan Synod's motion of Nov. 2005 on climate change:

Recognising the threat to human and other life posed by climate change caused by rising levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases, noting that this threat disproportionately affects poorer people of the world, and affirming its Christian responsibility to care for the whole of creation, this Synod:

Endorses the commitment made on behalf of the Diocese by the Bishop of Oxford to reduce carbon emissions, and commits itself to a reduction of 15% of 2000 values by 2010;

Commends study of the General Synod report “Sharing God's planet” to parishes and deaneries;

Asks all Diocesan Boards and Committees to formulate a policy to achieve 15% reductions of carbon emissions associated with their areas of responsibility by 2010 and to submit their policy by May 2007;

Asks all Deaneries to develop policies to encourage and enable parishes to achieve targeted cuts in carbon emissions by 2010, and to report by May 2007;

Instructs the Board of Social Responsibility to collate and coordinate responses from Boards, Committees and Deaneries and to report to the Diocesan Synod by September 2007.