The General Synod has today backed a diocesan synod motion from our diocese encouraging churches and cathedrals to explore ways of arranging flowers that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
The Sustainable Church Flowers movement began as a grassroots initiative in the small rural parish of Harpley, Worcestershire, when volunteers started exploring how traditional flower‑arranging methods could reflect the Church’s commitment to caring for creation. It has since grown into a national and ecumenical network offering practical support to parishes, arrangers and clergy.
Before the debate, a video was shown to shed light on the issue, featuring Shane Connolly, who provided and designed floral arrangements for the King’s Coronation and the weddings of the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales, and who is also a member of the SCF network.
The motion does not introduce any rules or bans. Instead, it encourages churches, wherever possible, to consider using seasonal, locally sourced flowers and foliage, and to phase out single‑use floral foam - a 1950s‑era plastic product which cannot be recycled or composted, sheds micro‑particles when handled, and contains the equivalent of up to ten carrier bags’ worth of plastic per block. The Royal Horticultural Society has already prohibited floral foam at its shows, including Chelsea, since 2021.
The motion highlights long‑established alternatives such as reusable vessels, twigs, moss, chicken wire, and metal “frogs”, which for centuries enabled churches to create arrangements without single‑use plastics. It also celebrates the creativity of volunteers and the opportunity to support local growers and community gardens.
Bishop Martin introduced the motion on behalf of the Diocese of Worcester and said:
“This motion comes from a village PCC wondering how they could make a difference, however small, in caring for God’s creation. The Sustainable Church Flowers movement began around a kitchen table in the wild west of Worcestershire but is now a fast growing national and ecumenical movement for positive change, with florists, growers and above all wonderful church flower arrangers spreading the word and giving practical help and advice. Be part of it!
“This motion rejoices in flowers and foliage in church, and encourages us to source them locally and seasonally wherever possible: remember Jesus on that hillside, rejoice in what’s around you. Think simple, natural, beautiful.”
The Sustainable Church Flowers provides online resources, tutorials and local ambassadors to help churches explore new techniques and celebrate the beauty of creation in worship.
The motion passed was as follows:
That this synod:
a) embrace the principles of the Sustainable Church Flowers movement which encourages a living into the Fifth Mark of Mission by promoting the use of local, seasonal and fully biodegradable/compostable flowers and foliage.
b) encourage cathedrals, churches and churchyards – wherever possible – to source flowers and foliage locally and seasonally for use in worship and church life.
c) call on cathedrals, churches and churchyards to eliminate the use of floral foam (oasis) and all similar non-biodegradable and non-reusable products and techniques, while rediscovering traditional and environmentally-friendly methods of presentation and display.
Members of the Sustainable Church Flowers movement said:
"We at SCF are delighted by the positive outcome of the General Synod vote. We would like to offer a huge thank you to Bishop Martin Gorick for proposing the motion; to the Diocese of Worcester for championing it; and to our dedicated committee and all our ambassadors for their unfailing support throughout.
"We are delighted that the process and debate has prompted important conversations both across the church and with the wider floristry sector. We resolve to continue to engage with all concerned moving forward. And meet all questions and concerns with care and openness, helping to keep the conversation grounded, practical, and pastorally aware of the realities facing parishes.
"At the heart of this motion lies something simple and hopeful: a desire that the way we adorn our churches reflects the care and reverence we hold for God’s creation."
