Over 100 churches in the Diocese of London have registered as Eco Churches, including 22 new churches in first half of 2021.
Run by the Christian Charity A Rocha UK, Eco Church is an environmental awards scheme that supports and equips churches in expressing care for God’s creation.
The scheme was launched in 2016, presenting its first award – a Bronze level award to St Paul’s Cathedral. There are now more than 3000 Eco Churches across England and Wales.
In a year which is critical for the climate, with the UN COP26 taking place in November, it is encouraging to see the collective effort from the Diocese to care for God’s creation.
Wendy Knight from St Mary’s Northolt, a member of the church’s Eco team, shared her experience of helping St Mary’s become an Eco church.
“The journey has been positive! I’m interested in ecology and often do a lot of wildlife recordings, so I was asked by our Rector to look into it for our Church. Since beginning, we have had an Earth Hour; a Climate Sunday service and we have had wildlife surveys done in our church yard”.
Wendy volunteers with Abigail Orr and Rachel Cama, to help St Mary’s Northolt have a positive environmental impact. Abigail was able to help the Church switch to a greener energy company and collectively they have helped the Church change to biodegradable cups.
“My advice to any Churches beginning their journey as an Eco church would be to take it slowly, some of it is just hints and tips like reducing plastic. For us, we have been able to fundraise to have our toilet twinned and we have plans to organise nature and Bible walks with our local community” (Wendy Knight, Eco team member from St Mary’s Northolt).
How to become an Eco Church:
- To register your Church, you can complete the online Eco Survey about how your Church is caring for God’s earth in different areas of life and work. Answers provided will collect points towards an Eco Church Award.
- The survey takes you through five key areas of church life: Worship and Teaching, Building Management, Land Management, Community and Global Engagement, and Lifestyle. More information can be found here.