“In this statement, we see the international Episcopal reaffirmation to attend to the climate crisis as it impacts all our lives,” said the Rev. Melanie Mullen, director of reconciliation, justice and creation care. “COP advocacy is a critical piece of our churchwide strategy for creation care and climate justice.”
In addition to the bishops’ statement, the 80th General Convention passed a resolution encouraging continuing church participation in COP meetings to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, among other commitments to the work of addressing global climate change and environmental justice.
“The Episcopal Church’s engagement with COP27 is one meaningful way we can support global witness in a time of climate emergency,” Mullen said. “At a time when people worldwide are facing dangerous levels of heat and fire threats, The Episcopal Church can raise a powerful voice for the ways people of faith and civil society will demand multilevel action on climate justice.”
The presiding bishop is expected to announce his nominations for the first hybrid delegation by mid-September. Members will meet monthly ahead of COP27 via video conferencing, as well as daily during the November event.
