Supporting florists following the Church of England’s sustainable flowers motion

The British Florist Association is aware that the General Synod has passed the Diocesan Synod Motion from the Diocese of Worcester encouraging churches and cathedrals to explore floral arrangements that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Following recent engagement with Church representatives, the British Florist Association welcomes the clarity that this motion does not introduce rules or bans. It is advisory in nature and focused on internal Church guidance. The intention is primarily to guide church flower arrangers and volunteers in their own arrangements, rather than to regulate the work of external professional florists. Importantly, there remains scope for local discretion, with individual parishes able to determine their own approach.

The motion encourages churches, wherever possible, to consider seasonal and locally sourced flowers and foliage, and to phase out single-use floral foam in favour of reusable and biodegradable techniques. These are conversations many professional florists have already been engaging with for some time.

For the BFA’s florist members, it is important to stress that this is not an outright prohibition on materials, nor does it prevent professional florists from working in churches. The Church has reaffirmed its appreciation for flowers in worship and for the skill and creativity of those who provide them.

The BFA remains pro-choice and pro-fact. “Sustainability must be informed, balanced and commercially realistic, recognising both environmental considerations and the practical realities of modern floristry. The BFA’s role is to ensure members are supported with clear information, practical guidance and constructive dialogue.”