wfn.org | UCC asked to consider community impact in meeting practices

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

UCC asked to consider community impact in meeting practices

> Written by Tim Kershner
> June 30, 2009

With a history of advocating "environmental, economic and social
justice stewardship," the United Church of Christ added a
consideration for respecting "personal, congregational and community
habits" as churches and church bodies select meeting venues.

The "Resolution on Responsible Meeting Practice" was adopted this
afternoon at the denomination's General Synod 27. "Just and
responsible practices are foundational to all discussions of
sustainability today," the resolution states. "A more
spiritually-focused description is: 'To live wisely within God's
creation...honoring the generations that have gone before and those
that will follow."

Beyond environmental impact, the resolution asks meeting planners to
consider the "interconnectedness" of the venue and resources required
to meet and the impact such a meeting would have on the local
community. The resolution also asks that education be provided to
"meeting attendees, local community members and vendors" so all can
work together to minimize impact.