On February 12th 2026, the General Synod backed a Diocesan Synod Motion from the Diocese of Worcester encouraging churches and cathedrals to explore ways of arranging flowers that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Bishop Martin Gorick 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.
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“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 debate surrounding the Sustainable Church Flowers General Synod motion prompted important conversations across the Church and between church and the wider floristry sector. Yet at its heart 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.
This is deeply rooted in the Fifth Mark of Mission - our shared calling “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.” Sustainable practices do not diminish beauty; rather, they invite us to honour creation more thoughtfully, ensuring that what we offer in worship is life-giving in every sense.
We recognise that questions have been raised, sometimes shaped by misunderstanding about floristry materials. These have been met with care and openness, helping to keep the conversation grounded, practical, and pastorally aware of the realities facing parishes.
The Church is at its best when it grows with courage and gentleness - attentive to evidence, rooted in hope, and willing to model the change it seeks in the world. Sustainable Church Flowers exists to support that journey, encouraging approaches that are environmentally responsible, creatively enriching, and faithful to the gospel we proclaim.
Together, even in the smallest details of our common life, we can offer a quiet but compelling witness to the God who both creates and renews all things.
The motion before the Church of England’s General Synod asked members to embrace the principles of the Sustainable Church Flowers movement as a tangible expression of the Fifth Mark of Mission: to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain the life of the earth.
It encourages cathedrals, parishes and churchyards to promote the use of local, seasonal, and fully biodegradable or compostable flowers and foliage for worship and church life wherever possible.
It highlighted concerns about environmental harm from imported flowers, single-use plastics and floral foam (many of which contain microplastics and cannot be composted), and encourages practical, sustainable alternatives (like chicken wire, twigs, water-based displays and reusable containers).
The motion called for the elimination of floral foam and all similar non-biodegradable or non-reusable floral products and techniques from church floral displays, urging the rediscovery of traditional and environmentally-friendlier methods of arranging flowers.
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