GreenWays was born in 2007 when the 217th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island passed a resolution that ”encourages all Episcopalians to add their voices of faith to the growing efforts relating to climate change, renewable energy, sustainable development, and clean air and water.”

 The resolution stipulated “That a Diocesan task force be established to study practical methods for our congregations to become exemplars of environmental stewardship” and continued on to say that ”This task force will function as a resource for education, advocacy, and action… that congregations be encouraged to engage in the process of ‘greening’ their churches utilizing the support of faith based organizations.”