Environmental Stewardship Resolution
Note: The resolution, below was passed at
the 144th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
(October 26-27, 2001). If you are using this or
a version of this resolution for your diocese, synod, or other
church organization, please let us know.
A Resolution on
The Spirituality of Food Production
WHEREAS we believe that feeding people is
an honorable and socially just endeavor; that farming is a noble
vocation that gives great pride to those involved in it; that
farmers can feed the whole world with safe, healthy, and nutritious
food; and, [Thoughts
on this part of the Preamble] [More
thoughts on this part of the Preamble]
WHEREAS we believe that we are all responsible to promote
justice in our own lives, in our Communities, and the world; we
do this for the sake of our neighbors, future generations and
all of God's Creation; and that we are called to treat everyone
with justice � even our enemies; that we have a special responsibility
to those over whom we have an economic, political or social relationship;
and, [Thoughts
on this part of the Preamble]
WHEREAS we believe that agriculture needs a just, free
market system that works for all people; and that it is imperative
to have wide distribution of land and resources; and, [Thoughts
on this part of the Preamble]
WHEREAS we believe that we have the personal and political
responsibility to work toward supporting young and beginning farmers'
efforts to stay on the land; creating and maintaining sustainable
communities for future generations; and the creation of a sustainable,
safe, and self-reliant food system; and that all our actions have
an effect on the common good of creation; that we must carefully
and prayerfully consider the choices we make that either positively
or negatively impact the use of farmland, tillage practices, natural
resources, technology, animal husbandry, and marketing and labor
practices; and,
WHEREAS we believe that in God, Creator of all that is,
and Jesus Christ, our teacher, and the Holy Spirit, our Counselor,
lie the source, the reason, and the support of all that is contained
in our lives on our Earth Home; [Thoughts
on this part of the Preamble]
[Thoughts
on the entire Preamble]
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of
Minnesota will continually provide its parishioners, clergy, and
congregations with information and educational opportunities concerning
the issues of food sources, biodiversity, genetic engineering,
ownership and distribution of our food sources, and related issues
concerning the health and well-being of ourselves and future generations;
and, [Thoughts
on this part of the resolution]
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
will advise elected and appointed state officials and other secular
and religious bodies operating in the area of the Diocese of its
concerns about food sources, biodiversity, genetic engineering,
ownership and distribution of our food sources, and related issues
concerning the health and well-being of ourselves and future generations;
and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
believes that consumers have a right to know the source and content
of their food stuffs; and that the farming and processing practices
used are healthy and sustainable for all of creation and the Diocese
is committed to making this a reality; and, [Thoughts
on this part of the resolution]
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
will instruct its Trustees and other agents to vote their proxies
on behalf of the Diocese in accordance with this resolution, and,
[Thoughts
on this part of the resolution]
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
submit and support these resolutions to the National Convention
of the Episcopal Church in America in 2003.
[NOTE: This resolution was passed
by Province VI of the Episcopal Church, USA, and, with modifications,
passed at the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church,
USA, July 27 through August 8, 2003. Exact
text here.]
Copyright Statement
To other resolutions of the
Environmental Stewardship Commission
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