Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,

That because the work of the church for the stewardship of Creation is integral to discipleship in Christ, the 79th General Convention authorize an Advisory Council on the Stewardship of Creation to continue to develop this aspect of the ongoing mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church. The Advisory Council shall continue and refine the small grants program begun by the 2015-2018 Advisory Council to support local and regional eco-ministry efforts; engage eco-justice site projects, and develop creation care networks based on geographic boundaries and areas of affinity (previously known as Regional Consultative Groups); and be it further

Resolved that the Council shall receive and help disseminate, through the networks, reports from congregations, dioceses and regions on fossil fuel divestment efforts and progress reports toward keeping the spirit of the Paris Climate Accord; and be it further

Resolved, That this Advisory Council shall also establish a Theology of Creation Working Group comprised of faculty, staff and students from among the Episcopal Church’s seminaries and tasked with facilitating innovative educational offerings in environmental ethics and theology for both seminarians and the broader public; and be it further

Resolved, That this Advisory Council be appointed jointly by the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop, with fourteen (14) to fifteen (15) members to include a diverse representation from the Church mindful to include younger generations, people of color and native persons who are and will be disproportionately affected by climate change; and be it further

Resolved, that this Council submit a report to the 80th General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request that the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance allocate $1.1 million for the implementation of this resolution and staff support and leadership from The Episcopal Church Office.