My Journey with Church Without Walls
April 19, 2024
Juneteenth Gospel Mass
April 19, 2024“You shall not pollute the land in which you live . . .” ~Numbers 35:33
Dear People of God,
Your Vestry met last month and took a stand on the use of plastics and Styrofoam. In order to follow what we believe is God’s will and not fill the planet with materials that do not decompose, we have written the following resolution and approved it unanimously.
Memorandum
To: All individuals, groups and businesses serving food in or at St. John’s Cathedral
From: The Dean and Vestry of St. John’s Cathedral
Date: April 24, 2022
Subject: Policy Regarding Styrofoam and Single-Use Plastics
St. John’s Cathedral Dean and Vestry have pledged to refrain from the use of disposable materials that would harm the earth that God has made. To that end, we require that all who serve or consume food or beverages on our campus refrain from the use of Styrofoam and one-time-use plastics. All containers, plates, cups, napkins and other utensils must be biodegradable and/or made for reuse. We urge that all persons who consume those products on our campus follow the same policy.
It is my belief that, in the beginning, God called all of humanity to care for the earth. Producing and distributing materials that are filling our oceans and killing wildlife is not faithful. I realize that asking our caterers, cooks and volunteers to refrain from one-time-use plastics and Styrofoam will be more expensive, but we must make the earth a priority above our money. As a Cathedral, we must lead and be willing to make sacrifices for the preservation of this beautiful planet.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to any member of the Vestry. And thank you to the Green Spirits and JoAnn Tredennick for their leadership and prayers.
In Christ’s love,
Kate+
