The Environmental Panel of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Reports to the General Assembly

The reports of the Environmental Panel presented to the General Assembly since 1996

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2010 General Assembly

The Rev Dr Robert Buick reports:

7. Members of the Panel enjoyed a number of stimulating visits during the year, including one to the Dungiven area to examine the site of a former hydro-electricity generation system and a modern "wind farm". Members were joined by Presbytery Environmental Agents for a visit to AFBI Hillsborough to view the experimental Anerobic Digester, which provided supplies of methane gas from farm by-products. The Methane gas was used to generate hot water for general farm use. Also demonstrated were a number of bio-mass boilers.

8. The Rev CJC McMullen, Convener of Global Concerns Committee, represented PCI at a meeting with Mr John Gormley TD, the Taoiseach having invited representatives of the four main Churches to share their concerns ahead of the "Copenhagen" Conference on Climate Change in December. Mr McMullen presented Mr Gormley with a copy of the Church's Lifestyle Report.

9. It is hoped that the Panel will shortly have sufficient information to provide an Environmental page on the PCI web site. This will include reports of visits by the Panel, advice to assist Congregations to complete questions on Environmental issues which form part of the Congregational Consultation and information on grants available to Churches considering upgrading their heating systems to more efficient and environmentally friendly systems.

10. The Panel has consulted with the Convener of the General Assembly Committee on Church Architecture requesting that guidelines to Presbyteries and Congregations be issued in respect of meeting environmental concerns in plans at the outline stage-for all new buildings. This is at an advanced stage and will be issued to Presbyteries as soon as possible.

11. Panel members continue to represent PCI on Eco-Congregation Ireland and at meetings of the European Christian Environmental Network.

12. It is hoped that the Panel will visit a number of Environmental projects throughout Ireland in the coming months including a Waste Management Disposal Unit, an Energy Conservation Community and the Loughs Agency.

13. Congregations and individual members of our Church are encouraged to act in an environmentally responsible manner both out of respect for the world which our Creator in His grace has provided for us, and in consideration of our fellow human beings in poorer parts of the world affected disproportionately by our wastefulness.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2009 General Assembly

The Rev Dr Robert Buick reports:

1. Climate Change/Global Warming has been rarely out of the news headlines during the past year, accompanied by dire warnings of the impact upon the Environment, wildlife and mankind across the world. Despite the misgivings of some, including the Northern Ireland Assembly's Minister for the Environment Sammy Wilson MLA, Climate Change is an established scientific fact, even if the factors causing it and the magnitude of its effects may be disputed. Those who are already suffering and are likely to suffer most from the effects of such Climate Change are the world's poor. The Environment Panel calls upon Congregations to consider their witness to Christ in this area, examining our:

Theology: Respect for our Creator and His Creation, the root of the current crisis is actually not environmental but spiritual.

Witness: Christ came into the world to give life not death and Christians need to preach this good news to all creation.

Action: Love for our fellow human beings must be shown by living in a manner which does not hurt or disadvantage them. Our rejection of consumerism must be demonstrated in favour of a simpler but sustainable lifestyle. Bridges need to be built between the religious and secular in society and it is necessary to work with politicians to reshape society.

2. During the year, two members of the Panel attended the European Christian Environmental Network conference which focused on Climate Change, while one of our members attended a Conference on Faith and the Environment.

3. The Panel would encourage individual Congregations contemplating building/renovating their property to ensure that appropriate energy saving measures are incorporated into the plans at an early stage (General Assembly Reports 2008, p 137, res 10). Such measures can often reduce running costs as well as having a positive impact upon the environment and grants are often available to encourage and support such work.

4. Panel members paid a visit during the year to just such a carbon neutral demonstration project in Edenderry, where the Church/Hall heating system uses wood pellets as the fuel source instead of the more usual fossil fuel based oil burner.

5. The Panel was also involved in providing input into other issues affecting the local environment such as fishing policy in the Lough Foyle and Carlingford areas.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2008 General Assembly

Mr Joe Furphy reports:

As mentioned last year, the Panel is keen to see the Eco-congregation Ireland project rolled out and taken up by a number of our Congregations, as a first step to enabling them both to appreciate our Christian responsibilities for the environment, and to manage their resources in more environmentally-friendly ways. Representatives were glad to participate in the Lifestyles Day, organized by the Global Concerns Committee, at which the Project was launched. Over the next winter it is hoped to visit Presbyteries throughout Ireland to raise awareness of Eco-congregation Ireland.

Two members of the Panel, the Rev Dr Robert Buick and Mr Joe Furphy, attended the Conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Sweden in the autumn. Attended by almost one hundred delegates from all over Europe, one of the main themes was the use of energy and the need for the much greater use of renewable resources. One of the major outcomes of the Conference was the production of a Charter for helping Third World countries financially, and by projects, in an effort to offset the worst ravages imposed on them as a result of our profligacy in the developed world.

The Panel has continued to consider a wide range of issues on the Irish scene, although this year has not produced a topic of such great significance as those in the last few years. Articles continue to be supplied for the Presbyterian Herald, and talks and seminars given to Presbytery and Church groups.

The Panel was encouraged to see the setting up of a Faith Waste project in Belfast, a project which brought together various denominations, the City Council and Sustainability Northern Ireland. At an awards ceremony, Stormont Presbyterian Church was a major prizewinner. Although the project was only designed to operate in 2006, the impetus it generated is now carried on through an informal grouping of interested persons from several Christian denominations. The Panel is represented on this group.

As always, the Panel's theme is 'The earth is the Lord's' and all Church members are encouraged to treat God's Creation as one of the essential parts of His great gifts to us.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2007 General Assembly

Mr Joe Furphy reports:

31. As mentioned last year, we are keen to see the Eco-congregation Ireland project rolled out and taken up by a number of our congregations, as a first step to enabling them both to appreciate our Christian responsibilities for the environment, and to manage their resources in more environmentallyfriendly ways to God's world and how we are to care for it. We were glad to participate in the Lifestyles Conference organized by Global Concerns, at which we launched this project. Over the next winter, we hope to visit Presbyteries throughout Ireland to raise awareness of Eco-congregation Ireland.

32. Two members of the Panel, Rev Dr Robert Buick and Mr Joe Furphy, attended the Conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Sweden in the autumn. Attended by almost one hundred delegates from all over Europe, one of the main themes was the use of energy and the need for the much greater use of renewable resources. One of the major outcomes of the conference was the production of a charter for helping Third World countries financially and by projects in an effort to offset the worst ravages imposed on them as a result of our profligacy in the developed world.

33. We have continued to consider a wide range of issues on the Irish scene, although this year has not produced a topic of such great significance as those in the last few years. We have continued to supply articles for the Presbyterian Herald, and to give talks and seminars to presbytery and church groups.

34. We were encouraged to see the setting up of a Faith Waste project in Belfast, a project which brought together various denominations, the City Council and Sustainability Northern Ireland. At an awards ceremony, Stormont Presbyterian Church was a major prize-winner. Although the project was only designed to operate in 2006, the impetus it generated is now carried on through an informal grouping of interested persons from several Christian denominations; we are represented on this group.

35. As always, our theme is 'The earth is the Lord's' and we encourage all our members to treat God's Creation as one of the essential parts of His great gifts to us.

CJC McMULLEN, Convener

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2006 General Assembly

Mr J Furphy reports:

1. Two members of the Panel, the late Rev Dr James Harper and Mr JS Furphy, attended the conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Basel, where the main topic was water and the crisis facing the world over the diminishing supplies of pure water across the globe. In Ireland we have no concept of just what a water shortage really implies and it came as a shock to us to discover that there are parts of mainland Europe where there are real difficulties in obtaining clean, healthy water for domestic purposes. We were given encouragement to use water wisely in all aspects of our lives and were told that of all the water we use daily, less that five percent needs to be fresh - all the rest can come out of the hot tap or re-used.

2. During the year we have been working towards re-launching a project which had lapsed over the years - the Eco-congregation project, designed to allow Congregations the opportunity both to manage their resources in an environmentally-friendly way, but perhaps more importantly, to give an understanding of the scriptural references to God's world and how we are to care for it. We are encouraging our Panel members and Presbytery environmental agents to publicize this project over the next few months, with a view to an official launch at some stage during the coming year.

3. The conference at Basel was the last occasion on which Dr Harper acted as our Convener. His passing was sudden and we miss his practical experience, advice and leadership greatly, as attested to in the tribute in the Presbyterian Herald. The Panel also lost a second wise and valued member during the year, Miss Daphne Gilmour, a person of great grace who gave all she could while her health allowed. To the family circle of both we express our sympathies.

4. It is one of the ironies that although environmental matters often seem to be at the forefront of the concerns and activities of the young, we have no younger persons on the Panel; we would appreciate expressions of interest from those not yet of retirement age, and your prayerful support as we seek to find those who can help us demonstrate that 'the earth is the Lord's'.

CJC McMULLEN, Convener

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2005 General Assembly

The Rev Dr J Harper writes:

19. This year has seemed to be a quieter year for the Panel, but in reality its work has continued to expand. Two major changes have occurred; the reorganization of Assembly structures now places us under the Global Concerns Committee, and Rev SJ Millar vacated the Convenership to be replaced by Rev Dr J Harper. Rev Sam Millar, as an angler, brought an intimate knowledge of water issues, while his successor is a practically-minded exponent of energy saving devices.

20. As in previous years, the Panel alternated indoor and outdoor meetings; perhaps the most interesting of these was the visit to the farm of Mr John Gilliland where we saw the generation of power from farm crops. Mr Gilliland is a past president of the Ulster Farmers' Union, and we congratulated him on his appointment as Commissioner for Sustainable Development for Northern Ireland.

21. Still on the farming theme, we remain concerned about the future of the farming industry throughout Ireland. While we can see the merit in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, and in the introduction of the Nitrates Directive, we feel that not enough has been done to bring the real economic issues facing farmers before the general public and thus to add weight to arguments put before politicians here and in Brussels.

22. We have again been active in supporting the Route Presbytery in opposing threatened lignite mining in their area.

23. In May 2005 two members of the Panel are hoping to attend the Conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Basle, Switzerland; reports on this will appear in summary form in the Green Page of the Presbyterian Herald and in the Panel's report to next year's General Assembly.

Panel members are available to talk to Church organizations on environmental issues generally, and to Congregational Committees and Presbyteries on the preparation of environmental audits undertaken as part of the Presbytery Consultation process.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2004 General Assembly

Rev Sam Miller reports:

1. This year has been one of consolidation of the Panel's impact and extension of the range of its interests. As in previous years, there has been a balance between field visits and meetings in Church House. One excursion was to the Organic Centre at Rossinver, County Leitrim, where many aspects of organic farming and gardening were demonstrated. While convinced that there is a place for organically-produced materials forming at least part of our diet, the panel is not convinced that all aspects of organic production have been fully assessed, either by developers or governments.

2. Still on this theme, there was a fascinating visit to the dairy farm of Messrs Huey at Castlederg, where milk from cattle which are fed only organically-produced feeds is produced profitably. The Panel is aware of just how fine is the line between financial success and failure in the farming sector generally, and continues to keep abreast of the many problems facing this large section of our population. The Panel would urge the General Assembly to support moves to lobby governments on behalf of both the farming and fishing industries, the former of which at least could be facing lean years with the extension of the membership of the European Community.

3. The Panel continues to produce articles for the Green Page in the Presbyterian Herald; these cover a range of issues of concern to PCI in general and the Panel in particular. One such article dealt with the crisis facing the world regarding water supplies. This was based on knowledge gained by two members of the Panel (Rev SJ Miller and Mr JS Furphy), who attended the conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Greece, where this was one of the two main conference themes. Coming from Ireland, with its more than adequate rainfall, it was a shock to discover that even in Europe there are countries which experience permanent water shortages, and even more critically, have few or no pure water supplies. The conference demonstrated that many such environmental issues are truly world-wide in their impact, and we, as Christians, must be prepared to make sacrifices in order to improve the lifestyles of the majority of the world's population.

4. An increasing number of PWA's and mens' groups have invited members of the Panel to speak on the role of the Christian in the environment. The Panel has also been involved in a few of the new Presbytery Consultations, providing assistance in the completion of environmental audits.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2003 General Assembly

Rev Sam Millar reports:

1. Energy has been one of the main themes of the Environmental Panel's work in the past year. Following the publication of plans to construct a wind generating complex at sea between Portstewart and Inishowen, the Panel decided to examine the cases for and against such a development. Members attended meetings organised by bodies opposed to the scheme; we then paid a most useful visit to the offices of the developer. Here we were told the full import of the policies of both our governments relating to the move from the use of fossil fuels in the generation of power to the increasing use of renewable energy resources; we also were able to examine at close quarters a turbine in action. As a result, we still have an open mind on this proposal, though in principle we are in support of the governments' philosophies.

2. Later we became involved in the controversy over the proposal to mine lignite, by open-cast methods, in the area around Ballymoney, County Antrim. If approved, this would result in substantial upheaval to a rural, farming community, many of whom are PCI members. This operation seemed to us to be unacceptable for many reasons, and we formulated a resolution opposing it; we understand that other Boards are considering similar action.

3. In May 2003 two members of the Panel will attend the conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Greece. In relation to the new Presbytery consultation procedure we are glad to see that a few Presbyteries have already asked for copies of the Environmental Audit to assist congregations in dealing with this matter. Members of the Panel and Presbytery Environmental Agents are available to provide assistance at any stage of a consultation.

4. Panel Members continue to address Presbyteries and talk to both men's and women's organisations on matters relating to the Christian response to environmental issues.

5. One disappointment during the year was the lack of development of the Eco-Congregation project; this was due to a change in funding arrangements following the devolution process in Great Britain. We are investigating alternative sources of funding for this worthwhile activity.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2002 General Assembly

Rev Samuel Millar reports:

1. The Panel continues to meet five times per year, alternating meetings in Church House with those in outside locations. Among other visits, the Panel went to the farm of one of its members, Liz Sheppard and saw the results of several years of tree planting. The Ballinderry Fish Hatchery provided the venue for a fascinating and successful visit, where under the expert guidance of the owner, Alan Keys, members learnt a great deal about the conservation of fish stocks and the many problems facing our native fish. One particularly commendable aspect of the work of this hatchery is its educational role, where a schoolroom is provided and children are encouraged to assist with the releasing of reared fish into the wild. It was the view of members of the Panel that this visit clearly demonstrated stewardship of God's Creation in a most practical way.

2. Some members have been speaking to Presbyteries on the work of the Panel and the role of the Christian in the environment. At a meeting with the Templepatrick Presbytery, a young farmer spoke of the many problems facing his community, and what he saw as being the inevitable adverse consequences for the environment at large. A memorial based on this contribution is to be presented to the General Assembly. The issues raised are critical for many aspects of life throughout our island and the members of the Panel empathise with the farming community as it deals with many seemingly insoluble problems.

3. With regret the Panel accepted the resignation of one of its founding members, Rev Trevor Magowan. He has a deep interest in matters environmental, and the work of the Panel today results in a large amount from the care, diligence and enthusiasm with which he acted as its Convener.

4. There is concern in the Panel that there is no representation from the Republic of Ireland, apart from Donegal, and the Board would welcome suggestions for membership from the south, east and west of the island.

5. The Panel encourages congregations to avail of the Creation Day Order of Service which was launched at the 2001 General Assembly, and which draws together our thanks to God the Creator and provides prayers and readings appropriate to our gratitude.

Memorials Transmitted

To the Venerable the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to meet at Belfast on the 10th Day of June, 2002.

The Memorial of the Templepatrick Presbytery Respectfully Showeth:

That Presbytery express their pastoral concern for the well being of members of the farming community.

That Presbytery view with unease the decline of the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland, with low income for farmers, falling morale among farming families, the drift of young people from the land, and a collapse of confidence in the rural economy. Presbytery support the Ulster Farmers Union Recovery Plan for Northern Ireland Agriculture.

Memorialists therefore pray your Venerable Assembly to urge the Northern Ireland Assembly to review the legislation governing the Food Standards Agency with regard to food labelling in shops and supermarkets; to encourage the food retail industry to stock and promote Northern Ireland produce; and to call upon all people to support local agriculture and industry.

And Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray.

Adopted by the Templepatrick Presbytery at its meeting in Kilbride on the 5th day of March, 2002, and transmitted to the Synod of Ballymena and Coleraine.

P E Dickinson, Moderator
W D Weir, Clerk

Licensed and transmitted by the Synod of Ballymena and Coleraine at its meeting in Connor on 12th March, 2002, with the strong recommendation that its prayer be granted.

George Preston, Moderator
W J Lamont, Clerk

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2001 General Assembly

Rev Samuel Millar reports:

1. During the past year, the Panel has met in various locations. The venues have included Ballymena, Belfast, Castleblayney, and Irvinestown. The Panel is grateful to kirk sessions for allowing it to meet in their premises and to the management of the ECOS centre in Ballymena for an enlightening conducted tour.

2. The local environment has seen few major improvements in the last year, and the Panel members are keen to support the efforts of the state conservation agencies in both parts of Ireland as they seek to implement policies to positively influence our environment. On the global scale, the Panel was very disappointed by the lack of progress at the Hague summit, and one of our members, David Boyd, was interviewed on BBC Northern Ireland's Sunday Sequence programme when he spoke of some of the Panel's concerns.

3. One very positive step has been the launching in London of the Eco-congregation project, by which individual congregations are encouraged to manage their property in an environmentally friendly manner. As part of the pilot operation for this project, First Ballymoney congregation enthusiastically participated, thanks to the efforts of Rev Albin Rankin and his youth worker, Alex Patterson. The Panel would encourage other congregations to participate in this project, and members are available to assist in setting up such exercises.

4. The Panel was disappointed at the small number of congregations who planted trees for the Millennium, and would encourage others to do so - there is no need to wait for a specific occasion. Trees help maintain a healthy environment, provide shelter and food for many mammals, birds and insects, and are a delight to the eye.

5. At Panel meetings, among other issues, members have discussed incineration, particularly as it affects Derry/Strabane and Donegal Presbyteries, and recycling. Much more can be achieved countrywide through recycling than is currently the case, and again the Panel encourages all our members and congregations to be more pro-active in this exercise. The Panel is encouraged that an increasing number of local authorities are providing recycling points or introducing special bins to hold recyclable materials. It was a delight to be invited to participate in a survey to establish the future waste disposal needs of Northern Ireland. The Panel chose to look at waste disposal from Church House and was surprised to realise the weight of waste leaving the building each week.

6. The Panel welcomes the inclusion of environmental issues in the new Presbytery Consultation procedures. It is felt that this will encourage congregations to give greater consideration to the handling of environmental issues within the life of the congregation and its parish boundaries, and highlight care for the environment as part of the ministry and mission of the Church.

7. Finally, the Panel has been considering how Creation can be celebrated in our church services. Following the example of several European churches, the Panel has produced an outline of a service, with suggested readings and singings, which can be used at any time of year as part of a Creation Day service. Some European churches set aside a particular Sunday for such services. The Panel feels that individual congregations should be free to decide when such a service is held. It is suggested that there may be advantages in holding such a service close to harvest thanksgiving or rogation services. Copies of the suggested form of service are available.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 2000 General Assembly

Rev Samuel Millar reports:

1. The panel has met bi-monthly since the last General Assembly and has discussed a number of relevant topics. In view of the considerable public interest and concern over the subject of genetically modified organisms, particularly as they affect food, the Panel arranged for an expert on the subject, Dr Donald Bruce, to give a public lecture in Union College. The Church of Scotland, which employs Dr Bruce, has taken an active interest in this subject. Dr Bruce encouraged us both to consider the benefits flowing from GMOs, and to maintain our concerns about side effects and the possible economic and social disadvantages that could result from large corporations cashing in on new products. The Panel is deeply indebted to the Principal and Faculty of the College for their co-operation in this lecture, which we hope to be the first of a series.

2. The Panel is very aware of, and concerned about, the crises in the farming and fishing industries, and has visited the farm of a seed potato producer near Limavady, the fishing harbour at Kilkeel, and the refurbished government agricultural science laboratories at Newforge Lane. These three visits have helped give much-needed direct briefing on the problems facing the industries, and in the case of the laboratories visit, an insight into the exceptionally fascinating and potentially very worthwhile research being undertaken there.

3. A day was spent looking at the many conflicting and complementary issues affecting Lough Neagh, including lectures form local experts. Also involved were a number of the Presbytery Environmental Agents, whom we see as filling a valuable role in providing the contact points between congregations and Presbyteries. We hope that Presbyteries would make greater use of Agents to raise issues of concern with the Panel, or with relevant local organisations.

4. Mr David Boyd, one of the Panel members, represented the Panel at the conference of the European Christian Environmental Network in Germany, and at meetings of the Going for Green organisation. We are pleased that one PCI congregation, First Ballymoney, is taking part in the pilot Ecocongregation project of Going for Green, which encourages congregations to undertake many practical ways of helping to conserve the environment and to reduce waste.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 1999 General Assembly

Rev Samuel Millar reports:

1. The Panel is encouraged to see that the environment continues to receive prominence in the press and elsewhere.

2. We were particularly pleased to see that Northern Ireland's Assembly Members collaborated in a tree planting ceremony at Stormont, especially as we have contacted each congregation in Northern Ireland to encourage planting as part of the Millennium Tree Campaign, organised through Conservation Volunteers (Northern Ireland). Presbyteries in the Republic were provided with the same information and encouraged to contact the relevant voluntary bodies there.

3. Mr David Boyd represented PCI at the inaugural assembly of the European Christian Environment Network in the Czech Republic in October. Many important contacts were made there; one of the most relevant was Dr Donald Bruce, Director of the Sciences, Religion and Technology Group of the Church of Scotland. Closer links with that body are now being established.

4. Several members of our Panel, along with many other PCI members, attended the Earth Rights Gathering in Derry in November, a most inspirational event which brought together members of various churches and community groups. We examined our beliefs and lifestyles; we also thought about what changes are needed to achieve sustainable communities and to restore right relationships with the rest of God's Creation. We were much encouraged by the good attendance and welcomed the opportunity of sharing our ideas and hopes with others.

5. The Panel's work was commended by the Church of England's Living Churchyards and Cemeteries Project, who wish us to participate in a Northern Ireland equivalent of an educational project linked to the National Curriculum.

6. The Panel was privileged to be invited by NIGEN to Kilroot Power Station to receive a presentation on that company's proposals for future power generation. In his Green Page article in the March issue of the Presbyterian Herald, Mr Joe Furphy raised a number of the social and environmental issues we are now addressing in our consideration of NIGEN's proposals.

7. We have been encouraged by developments during the year - the lifting of the beef ban, although farming remains in dire straits; we congratulate Broughshane in achieving, for the third consecutive year, the Nations in Bloom award; we also congratulate Mrs Alison Harbinson of the Aghadowey congregation on receiving the MBE for her services to the environment, which includes the development of an educational trail at her farm.

8. The subject of genetically modified plant material frequently made the headlines during the year. The Panel is investigating the pros and cons of this controversial and potentially damaging or life-saving activity (depending on one's source of information) so that a recommendation on the Church's position can be made.

9. At an earlier Assembly it was agreed that congregations should be asked to prepare an environmental audit at Visitations, and a suitable format was duly circulated. In the light of the proposed changes in arrangements for Visitations, the Panel wishes to make two recommendations. First, that as part of the property architectural/building report, the revised form of environmental audit introduced last year should be completed for each Visitation, and secondly, each congregation should be encouraged to include an environmental audit in its annual report. The Panel is concerned that, despite this audit indicating ways to implement both environmental improvements and cost savings (sometimes considerable), few congregations have grasped their responsibilities and opportunities in this significant aspect of our stewardship. We are prepared to meet with Presbyteries or congregations to discuss how audits can be carried out.

10. With the wide range of environmental issues now on national and international agendas, and the latent interest taken by the public at large, we encourage our church to become better informed on these issues so that it can speak out clearly and with authority on the Christian response to them.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 1998 General Assembly

Rev J T Magowan reports:

"O Lord of heaven and earth and sea..."
"Christ is the Lord of all creation
Christ is the Lord of all of life..."

1. Christ is the Lord of the environment yet as the World Alliance of Reformed Churches' Report "Justice for all" put it "the world is not moving towards a sustainable future, but is falling into an ever-deeper ecological crisis. The web of life is threatened as never before. The greed of many is choking the life of the planet. We are faced with concrete threats of drastic deforestation, the pollution of water, the contamination of air and the destruction of soil. These threaten the livelihood of whole groups of people."

2. The Environmental Panel encourages the Church to demonstrate in practical ways concern for God's creation. Increasingly, environmental concern is being seen as part of our evangelical witness and apathy is on the decrease in light of the impact of these issues on the lives of people through, for example, health, food, travel and the countryside.

3. The Panel has met with representatives of other main Churches and plans to develop this common interest by moving to the Inter-Church Relations Board.

4. Most Presbyteries have appointed an environmental agent but, to our regret, not all have done so. We pay tribute to the late Mr Trevor McGowan for his service as agent of the Carrickfergus Presbytery.

5. The Panel attempts to keep well informed about pressing issues and has developed contacts with Government departments.

6. The Panel wishes to commend the 'Green Page' to all readers of the 'Herald' and suggests that congregations should arrange educational visits to such places as Ballydevitt Conservation Farm, Aghadowey.

7. Two Panel members will be promoting the Millenium Tree Planting Campaign aimed at planting one and a half million trees in Northern Ireland by mid-2000. It is hoped that congregations in the Republic can also be involved.

8. An Environmental Audit which was presented to the Assembly in 1994 has been revised and the Panel wishes to renew the recommendation of 1994 that it should be used at Presbytery Visitations of congregations. It is printed as Appendix A.

Appendix A

Environmental Audit

In order to demonstrate in practical ways the Church's concern for God's creation, the Environmental Panel urges all congregations to increase their environmental awareness and witness in a variety of ways. At the General

General Board

Assembly of 1994, the recommendation of the General Board to introduce an environmental audit as part of Visitations of Presbytery was approved. Experience has shown that this Audit is little used and, in an effort to make it more user-friendly, the Panel has redrafted it in a tick-list format. The Panel further suggests that congregational committees may find it helpful to use this form of audit at an annual review of property management. The Panel expects that at least some of the factors to which attention is drawn in the Audit could lead to financial savings as well as environmental benefits.

Energy Conservation:

Are all parts of the church property insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss?
Are all parts of the manse similarly treated?
Have low-energy light bulbs been fitted in all appropriate locations?
Have time-clocks been fitted to church heating systems to ensure that they are only activated when there are definite requirements for their use?
Have you ensured that the heating throughout the property is regulated by thermostats in order to maintain an equable temperature?
Have cut-off valves been fitted to cisterns in toilets to ensure that water is provided only when buildings are in use?

Waste Disposal

Are waste materials segregated for disposal into paper, glass, aluminium, fabric, metals etc for easy sorting at civic amenity sites, leading to their subsequent recycling?
Have the financial or other advantages of using commercial waste disposal firms been investigated?
Are local re-cycling schemes being supported and encouraged?

Use of Environment-friendly Products

In building and repair of church property, do you try to find ecologically sound materials - eg timber which comes from renewable resources, paint which is non-polluting etc?
Even though it may appear more costly, is Church paperwork (letters, news-sheets, orders of service etc) printed on recycled paper?
Are cleaning and washing-up materials environment-friendly, used only at the minimum quantities necessary and properly disposed of?
Is the use of aerosols prohibited, even those which do not damage the ozone layer as they still contribute to the 'greenhouse effect'?
Is unnecessary packaging avoided?
Is there a policy for the re-use of envelopes, packaging etc?
Has the use of disposable plastic or paper cups been stopped?

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 1997 General Assembly

Rev J T Magowan reports:

1. Environmental issues are not going to go away. They will increasingly impinge upon our lives in a multiplicity of ways - from the air we breathe, the water we drink, the furniture we sit on, the car we drive, the roads we build, the countryside we live and work in, the forests we cut down, the sea we bathe in, the fish we net and the world we spoil. We are in danger of selling off "the family silver" and failing to sustain our "goodly heritage" for our children.

2. The existence of the Environment Panel highlights our Church's concern for "the peace, harmony and healing of God's creation." Panel members have been environmentally involved. Messrs David Boyd, Joe Furphy and Jack Gault have all worked in the Environmental and Heritage Service while Mrs Liz Sheppard and the Revs Dr Gordon Gray, Sam Millar and Gilbert Young have also expressed their fervent commitment. Yet the Panel is aware that we are a very small boat - though possibly a tug in a sea of apathy and, like so many other facets of the Church's work, we feel under-resourced.

3. However, we have appreciated those Executives in different government departments who have come to meet us and informed us of their role in the community. We have made them aware of the Church's concern. Mr Henry Plester (Director of the Northern Ireland Water Service) and then Mr Jim Lamont (Director of Environmental Protection) gave us updates on their services. They honoured us with their presence - an appreciation of the role of the Church in countering ignorance in environmental matters.

4. The Panel also hosted two representatives from the Ulster Farmers' Union, Mr Trevor Lockhart and Mr Ian Mark who answered some of our questions on the BSE crisis. This highlights the inter-connection between environmental and economic considerations, not least the unacceptability of cattle eating their own "kine". The Panel welcomes the banning of all offals since August 1996. It notes the low incidence of BSE in Ireland, North and South compared to Great Britain.

5. Indeed a key issue in modern agriculture is the Environment, not least in the use of certain chemicals and a greater awareness of food safety, human health together with the conservation of the countryside and the welfare of animals. The whole nature of modern farming techniques is under the environmental microscope.

6. We have been encouraged by other denominations co-operating with us in seeking to promote a greater awareness of crucial issues. A small ad hoc committee of representatives from the Society of Friends, the Church of Ireland, the Reformed Presbyterian and the Methodist Church has been set up and is seeking to implement a Five Year Plan to promote greater environmental awareness in the churches in Ireland.

7. We believe that there is enthusiasm and expertise among our membership which has yet to be tapped.

Report of the Panel on the Environment to the 1996 General Assembly

Rev J T Magowan reports:

1. Sea Empress, Beaufort Dyke, Botanic Gardens and Belfast Parks, Stag-hunting, the list goes on, for Environmental issues feature daily on the Media. More and more we are beginning to realise that Environmental problems are the cost of increasing industrialisation, urbanisation, scientific and technological advances. Yet if we are not careful we can be progressing backwards. Increased wealth invariably produces increased waste, more prosperity results in more pollution. God's creation and millions of God's children pay a high price for our so called "standard of living."

2. Yet many of our Church members do not feel any biblical imperative to care for God's creation and give little thought to the "not-so-goodly" heritage which we may be passing on to our children.
The Environmental Panel believes that those who are friends of God should also be friends of His creation.

The Panel has:-

Initiated and promoted the Eco-Alphabet series in the Presbyterian Herald to illustrate the broad sweep of environmental issues.
Encouraged an Environmental Sunday and provided material for use in worship.
Encouraged Presbyteries to appoint an Environmental Agent. Nineteen out of twenty-one Presbyteries have done so.
Brought various churches together - Church of Ireland, Methodist and Roman Catholic. This could be very relevant in the future with a view to sharing resources.
Contacted District Councils and Government Departments on various issues from Nuclear Testing to Waste Disposal and the possibility of water privatisation.
Established contact with other groups - Northern Ireland Environment Link and English Nature.

3. The Panel looks forward to the day when our Church will be able to have an Environmental Coordinator. We are looking for ways and means of employing someone who will help to teach, motivate and resource our Church. The Panel wants to see Church members increasingly realising the centrality of environmental issues on our contemporary agenda in the context of the ever relevant Gospel of Christ by whom "God will reconcile all things to Himself whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross".