Church group clarifies their position on motion
Prompted by some scary click bait headlines in the national press, and as a result of honest and open dialogue, the Bishop of Dudley and Shane Connolly have confirmed that the Church of England Synod motion to seek the elimination of foam and imported flowers will be advisory, at this stage is focussed on their internal activities, will be at the discretion of each individual church and cathedral and is presented with the acknowledgement it will take time for full engagement.
Both Florist Magazine and British Florist Association reached out to Sustainable Church Flowers, on whose behalf Bishop Dudley will present the motion and were pleased to have their concerns addressed so promptly.
There are still key areas of discussion and debate, not least surrounding imported flowers which is a highly complex subject.
It’s also a conversation that has been going on since 2018 when Shane, RHS Ambassador internationally renowned florist Simon Lycett and Editor of The Florist Magazine, Caroline Marshall-Foster first discussed the feasibility of an industry wide meet up – something Simon raised again at the Flowers from the Farm Conference last weekend where he was host and keynote speaker.
However, in many ways the storm raising headlines may well have been the catalyst needed to encourage more open and constructive dialogue as Shane commented. “Isn’t it a wonderful thing that this Synod Motion has helped us all catch up with pre-covid good intentions! It’s been eight years of hard work with SCF, but it feels so worthwhile now, whatever the Synod brings.”
For John Davidson, Chair of the British Florist Association, being able to proactively help is exactly what he wants BFA to do. “I really feel there is a coming together which is particularly important for the UK floral industry at a time when sustainable practices are very much on the forefront of all our decision making.”
Paul Southwick, of Smithers Oasis UK is equally pleased to see dialogue happen “Smithers-Oasis has been focused on sustainability for years, as evidenced by the numerous sustainable products we have brought to the market. The majority of our R&D resources are centred on sustainability”
For many florists, the clarification will come as a huge relief that contrary to some news reports there will be no instant risk of being turned away or having to explain to clients a particular design style is not possible.
However, the fact remains that pressure for change will rightly continue and why Florist Magazine has always advocated the following advice for every florist.
Even if you cannot go foam/import free now, EVERY florist should offer a fully eco and sustainable collection of both wedding and funeral designs alongside their more traditional selection.
Priced to allow for any additional labour and material costs, not only does a clearly identifiable eco-collection offer your customers a choice - and potentially open the chance to discuss a subject they may not have considered - but shows you are fully capable to deliver every type of design.
The Motion is due to take place at 14.00hrs on Thursday 12th February. When we have any updates, we’ll let you know.
The Questions our Editor, Caroline Marshall-Foster asked
CMF: Caroline for Florist Magazine SC/BG – Shane Connolly and Bishop of Dudley, Rt Revd Martin Gorick for SCF
1: CMF: Is the motion calling for a ban on imported flowers and foam or simply elimination where possible of both.
SC/BG: The latter. Elimination where possible of both.
2: CMF: Does the motion only apply to your own in-house teams of church flower arrangers or is it to apply to any décor supplied by eternal flower providers as well.
SC/BG: We want churches to consider these principles in all they do, but decisions and policies will be made locally.
3: CMF: If the latter - and in the event of a bride or bereaved wishing to have designs that are foam-based - will the Church refuse their use of the church/cathedral.
SC/BG: That is up to each church as they devise their own policies. We would encourage discussion and guidelines shared well in advance.
4: CMF: If the motion is passed, is it legally/morally binding on all churches/cathedrals or will local bishops/vicars/dioceses be able to make their own judgement calls.
SC/BG: Advisory only. The motion encourages and calls on churches and cathedrals, and forces no one.
5: CMF: There appears to be a lack of understanding and knowledge about the global flower industry. For example, based on all the papers I have seen, no mention is given to Florverde, KFC and MPS which are globally recognised as premier, sustainability led accreditation schemes and cover flowers that are far more accessible to everyone – particularly commercial florists. Can you tell me why these have not been included.
SC/BG: As you know, the issues are complex and the options are bewildering when sourcing flowers. Certifications are not often visible on commercially available flowers. To help simplify this, our advice to florists has always been to start by choosing flowers that are seasonal and ideally local. This will minimise many sustainability issues and also encourage the use of locally grown as a first option.
6: CMF: The motion and supporting evidence papers make a lot of claims about foam but some of the information appears out of date and inaccurate, and you appear to be targeting one manufacturer when there are other foam suppliers in the market. I know you are talking with BFA but have either of you spoken to Smithers Oasis about their range – which includes totally compostable versions as well as a new brick option.
SC/BG Shane was first in contact with Smithers Oasis in 2018, when we started Sustainable Church Flowers (SCF), and he wanted to discuss the sustainability issues with traditional floral foam. Anthony Hart came to see him, and they had very productive and open dialogues. In fact, Anthony last wrote to Shane on 13th January of this year, remembering how they “discussed floral foam and your concerns about its petroleum based, plastic composition. That conversation stayed with us and has helped shape our commitment to developing more sustainable options for the floral industry” so we are watching those developments with great interest and look forward to more dialogue with Anthony in the future.
