News & Analysis

The Green Debate: Are you an aviation sinner?

(27 July 2006)

TRAVEL agents and tour operators have defended the trade after the Bishop of London accused people of sinning every time they board an aircraft to go on holiday.

Speaking at the launch of the Church of England’s Shrinking the Footprint campaign, which aims to reduce the church’s own environmental damage as well as raise the issue publicly, the Right Rev Richard Chartres said “selfish choices” such as flying abroad and buying large cars are “a symptom of sin”.

He added: “There is now an over-riding imperative to walk more lightly upon the earth and we need to make lifestyle decisions in that light.

"Sin is not just a list of moral mistakes. It is living a life turned in on itself where people ignore the consequences of their actions.”

“People work hard. If they choose to go abroad then they should be allowed to. I’ve also never seen in the Bible that it’s wrong to go on holiday.” Seth Nowaseb, 39, researcher, Mill Hill	"Flying off on holiday is definitely not a sin. I wonder how the Bishop gets about when he wants to go on holiday?” Maureen Andler, 53, civil servant, Rotherhithe, London
“Flying is selfish but not a sin. Then again if I hadn’t flown I wouldn’t be here learning about a different culture which I hope will let me contribute more to society as a result.” Megan Scanes, 21, student, Waco, Texas	“People fly without any thought for the environment but I don’t think it is a sin. People need to be more thoughtful about off-setting the results of their actions.” Simon Houchell, 33, commercial manager, Suffolk
“Virtually everything we do in the modern world is screwing up the planet so I wonder why he thinks it is more sinful to fly than some of other, more obvious, things?” Roeann Osman, 17, student, Pimlico	“He makes a good point. It’s definitely a sin if we go about our business now knowing we are actively harming the future for our children.” Noel Campbell, 38, carpenter, Newry, Northern Ireland
"The biggest sin is there are still many people in the UK too poor to afford a foreign holiday. The Church should be addressing that first.” Emmanuel Plauchu, 37, philosopher, Lille	“What he said is a good thing as we know the damage flying does and the Church needs to promote both good actions and good values.” Irine Roelcke, 23, civil servant, Brixton
“What he’s saying has an element of truth, but I’m not that selfless that I would give up taking holidays, especially when I’ve just come back from one.” Beryl Seaman, 56, civil servant, Sheffield	“How are we supposed to get anywhere? These days people have lots of friends and family abroad and it would be a bigger sin if you couldn’t see them.” Margaret McIver, 34, merchandiser, London

However, ABTA board director Sue Foxall said: “I wouldn’t have thought the Church has enough experience of the travel industry to comment on it.”

She added the trade was already addressing the green issue, adding that the topic would be discussed at September’s board meeting.

Lastminute.com director holidays John Bevan said: “The Bishop’s using rather strong terms for something that’s clearly not a sinful thing to do.”

Instead, he said, more green schemes were needed to offset any environmental damage, adding Lastminute.com was hoping to launch a programme in the autumn offering more ecological options to customers, although he refused to divulge more details.

Libra Holidays sales and marketing director Paul Riches added: “I don’t think anybody in a democratic society should be telling you not to fly.”

Kuoni managing director Sue Biggs agreed. “It is a very strange comment to make,” she said. However, Church of England policy adviser on environmental issues Claire Foster said the Bishop was sticking by his comments as the Church believes the environment has become a moral issue and must be addressed.

She added: “We’re not saying travel is fundamentally wrong but people should think about whether or not they really need to take a trip.”

What do you think?
The travel trade is under increasing pressure to consider its impact upon the environment. Are we doing enough?
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