History

The Diocese of Ontario Green Group first met in March of 2007 by invitation from Debra Fieguth, then the Social Action Coordinator for the diocese. We produced a mission statement: “As Christians, we believe that God has created the Earth and all that is in it, and that we have the responsibility to be stewards of that creation.” We agreed to meet once a month in each other’s homes for a potluck supper and meeting to talk about ideas and determine actions to be taken.

Green Group achievements to date

• YouTube channel added 2021.
• Diocesan wide creation care survey offered in the summer of 2021.
• Season of Creation webinar series presented in the season of 2021 (now available on our Diocese of Ontario Green Group YouTube channel).
• Climate Care Resolution passed at Diocesan Synod in October 2021.
• In person meetings resumed May 2022.
• Continue to update website, submit Dialogue articles and eNews items.
• Showed “An Inconvenient Truth” or hosted the slideshow presentation in various locations.
• Spoke on biblical/theological stewardship at special events-The Rev. Dr. Ian Ritchie.
• Co-chaired the bishop’s dinner with special guest Elizabeth May in April 2008.
• Hosted two workshops on environmental stewardship, led by Tim Christie from Greening Sacred Spaces at the Diocesan Synod of October 2008.
• Presented two resolutions which were passed at the Synod of 2008. We then requested help from the diocesan ACWs in implementing these resolutions.
• Presented a Green Film Festival in five diocesan churches in November 2008. We showed five different films. In one case the film director attended.
• Supported 350 letter campaign for stronger action on climate change in Copenhagen 2009.
• Co-sponsored two online conferences from Trinity Institute – January 2009.
  • Radical Abundance – building a sustainable environment and in January 2010.
  • Ideology and the Marketplace – building an ethical economy. Both were held at St. James’, Kingston.
• Energy saving ideas and articles on climate change and divestment in Dialogue.
• Produced Green Group bookmarks to be shared at various displays and workshops.
• Prepared a display at the Diocese of Ontario 150th Anniversary Celebration at the K-Rock Centre on 3 June 2012. Produced and sold anniversary mugs to promote the use of reusable cups.
• Hosted workshop on fracking at the Diocesan Synod of 2012, led by Dr. Leigh Smith.
• Continue to promote Earth Hour, Earth Day, Overshoot Day, and other creation care events on eNews and in Dialogue.
• Produced a “Resource for Creation Care” list for displays and workshops.
• Hosted a workshop “Faithful Living on the Land: Discipleship in Practice” with Bishop Mark MacDonald and a panel focusing on water in January 2014.
• Purchased a cow (one share) in the local Pen Herd in support of prison farm.
• Hosted a climate change and faith workshop for the diocesan Synod of 2014. Led by Kari Munn-Venn of Citizens for Public Justice at St. Peter’s, Collins Bay.
• Hosted Dr. Katharine Hayhoe as the guest speaker at St. George’s – climate change and faith in February 2015.
• Produced Information table for the Queen’s sidewalk sale in September 2015.
• Three Divestment presentations for Synod workshops for treasures and wardens, spring 2016.
• Produced a display and prepared letters to be signed to provincial and federal ministers of the environment requesting action on climate change.
• Diocesan Synod in November 2016: arranged a plenary speaker (Prof. Lenore Fahrig); prepared Synod display with letters to be signed; produced two Synod workshops 2016.
• Proposed the divestment of Diocesan investments from fossil fuel companies (accepted by the Synod Council).
• Met with MP Mike Bossio to discuss government action on climate change in January 2017.
• Prepared Water Justice workshop at St. Peter’s Church in April 8, 2017 with petition for signatures demanding water not be treated as a commodity but protected for the common good.
• Met with MPP Sophie Kiwala in September 2017 to present petition demanding that water not be treated as a commodity.
• Prepared a display at the Diocesan 2018 Synod.
• Prepared Baptismal Promise inserts for existing BAS copies – diocesan wide campaign.
• Speaker Series #1- Chris Wooding “Restoring Ecological Function” April 25, 2019,  St. George's Cathedral, Great Hall.
• Speaker Series #2-Dianne Saxe “Climate Emercency: Why and What must we do?”, September 19, 2019, St. George's Cathedral.
• Presentation and discussion at City Hall, Kingston, November 7, 2019.
• Clergy Conference-November 22, 2019, with Green Group participation. Ø  Prepared Climate Change resolution for 2021 Synod that was approved by the delegates.
• Completed Diocesan Creation Care survey in 2021 and submitted to Bishop Michael.
• Wrote a large number of Dialogue articles and eNews notes to inform congregations.
• Organized a planning retreat led by Rev. Lynn Dillabough on September 9, 2020.
• Organize regular meetings (on Zoom during COVID).