C030 Proposed Baptismal Covenant Language
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the 79th General Convention authorize the trial addition to the Baptismal Covenant of an additional question concerning our responsibility as baptized Christians to care for God’s creation; and be it further
Resolved, That the additional question and response be worded as follows:
“Will you cherish the wondrous works of God, and protect and restore the beauty and integrity of all creation?”
“I will, with God’s help.”; and be it further
Resolved, That use of this additional question and response be authorized for trial use as part of the Baptismal Covenant for the triennium following the 79th General Convention, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent 2018.
Explanation
In 2014 the 230th Convention of ECCT passed Resolution 11, which referred identical language to the 78th General Convention. The Convention tabled the resolution pending anticipated Prayer Book revision. Over the three years since, there has been evidence that increasingly destructive climate change is a reality that will only worsen, despite the denial of many in government. It is more imperative than ever for the Church to witness to the responsibility of all people to care for creation. One meaningful way to do this is to expand the Baptismal Covenant—the central guidepost for Episcopal members of the Body of Christ.