Go for Eco!

Eco Church is an initiative from the Christian environment charity, A Rocha, the international family of Christian conservation organizations.

The project was introduced to the church through a special outdoor service leading up to COP26. The church is already in the process of registration and has formed a working group from the church that will work towards becoming an Eco-Diocese.

The Award will look at the parish’s green ‘credentials’ in five areas: Worship and Teaching; Buildings; Land; Community Engagement and Lifestyle. 

In addition, the whole Diocese met Eco Church Bronze Award standards for its management of buildings and land in 2018. There was also a requirement for an ethical investment of diocesan funds and for the inclusion of care for creation in training for ministry.

Speaking about the project, Andy Atkins, CEO of A Rocha UK, said:

“When we launched Eco Church in 2016 we had high hopes and expectations. To have got this far so quickly is humbling, exciting and such a huge encouragement that so many churches in a diocese are working together to care for God's earth should be an encouragement to us all.”

The project comes as our Diocese has set the target to become one of the first Dioceses to gain a Silver Eco Diocese award. We already have 25 Eco-Churches, and it’s great to see our parishes fully caring for the earth. But we need to see others embark on this journey too.

If your parish is ready to take the step towards becoming an Eco-Church too, take a look at the A Rocha website for all the details. 

Are you already an eco-church? We'd love to hear, email comms@salisbury.anglican.org