CRITICISM of the choice to incorporate on the General Synod agenda a motion on the usage of sustainable flowers in churches was roundly seen off throughout the debate on Thursday morning.
Questions had been raised earlier within the week during a discussion in regards to the Business Committee’s agenda, with multiple Synod member questioning why the Synod was wasting “costly time” discussing a diocesan synod motion when other issues, comparable to Palestine, had not made it onto the agenda.
Contributors to Thursday’s debate, nonetheless, spoke warmly of a grassroots initiative that looked beyond the usage of flowers to the center of worship and parish life.
Originating from the tiny parish of St Bartholomew’s, Harpley, in Worcestershire, and championed by the Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Revd Martin Gorick, the motion called on the Synod to embrace the principles of the Sustainable Flowers movement. These are to advertise the usage of local, seasonal, biodegradable, or compostable flowers and foliage; to encourage churches to source them locally; and to “eliminate the usage of floral foam (oasis) and non-reusable products and techniques, while rediscovering traditional and environmentally friendly methods of presentation and display”.
Several of the parishioners from St Bartholomew’s were within the gallery. Others were watching online.
An early attempt by John Wilson (Lichfield) to maneuver to next business was roundly defeated. To loud applause, Bishop Gorick responded: “This originates from a PCC, to a deanery, to a diocese. If you squash this now without a possibility to listen to more, what does that say to each diocese within the country?”
He continued: “The motion doesn’t ban anything or force churches to stop doing things. It rejoices in foliage in church; it rejoices in what is of course around you — easy, natural beauty.”
A video from Hartley highlighted the carbon footprint and high-energy use of imported flowers, and the leakage of microplastic from floral foam into the environment. It also celebrated the enjoyment of using local, foam-free flowers “that tell the story of this time of 12 months”.
The motion was, the Bishop continued, “about faithfulness”. He said: “It is deeply theological, to honour the God who made the earth.”
In a debut speech, Judith Osborne (Leeds) concurred: “This is about excess of flower arrangers. It gives confidence to those that need to see environmental responsibility embedded into the lifetime of their church. . . It’s not about criticising past practice but encouraging a sustainable approach for the longer term.”
The flower team on the Revd Jody Stowell’s church in London had long removed floral foam, she said. They had encountered views of flower-arranging in church as being “women’s work, sadly demeaned and dismissed”, she said. “In my parish, flowers honour the God who made us. Worship is rather more than the cerebral intake of knowledge.”
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, proved highly knowledgeable in regards to the Christian meaning of flowers, and their place in folklore. “We have long on this nation brought flowers and foliage into the architecture of our churches. . . examples of creation drawn into our churches to remind us of the little gifts of God.”
The debate was wide-ranging. Contributors spoke to honour the work of volunteers; to focus on the unintended consequences for growers within the poorest countries, should exports be reduced; and of the ability of the parish to influence the broader church.
“Care for creation is about small things — small changes have great power,” the Revd Dr Abigail Walsh (Lichfield), said.
“This is a matter of witness,” Jane Rosam (Rochester), a farmer, said. “What we place on our altars says much about what we value. It’s about making our worship truthful, aligning our practice with our prayers.”
There were 16 speakers in the controversy, which Bishop Gorick described as “wonderful, heartening”, and eloquent. At its conclusion, the Synod voted overwhelmingly in favour of the motion.
Referring to its place on the agenda, the Bishop said: “It’s all in regards to the Church living the hope we proclaim. There are real concerns but they’re changing on a regular basis as the results of the pressure we bring. We’re chucking no person out. We’re just saying, good, higher, best, and avoid the bad.”
