Holy Trinity Church in Bolton-le-Sands is starting it’s journey in becoming an “eco-church”.
Eco Church is a project run by A Rocha UK, a Christian charity dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural world and equipping Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment. The scheme is designed to help churches demonstrate their care for God’s creation through various aspects of church life and offers a framework for practical action
To become an Eco Church, Holy Trinity Church will use a free online survey and supporting resources. This survey guides churches in expressing their commitment to creation care in five key areas of church life
• Worship and Teaching: Integrating eco-friendly themes into services and teachings to foster a connection between faith and environmental responsibility
• Management of Church Buildings: Implementing energy-efficient practices, sustainable renovations, and resource-conscious management to reduce the church’s carbon footprint
• Management of Church Land: Developing eco-friendly initiatives on church grounds, such as community gardens, wildlife habitats, and sustainable landscaping
• Community and Global Engagement: Engaging the congregation in outreach programs, supporting environmental causes, and participating in global conservation initiatives
• Lifestyle: Encouraging eco-friendly habits among congregation members, promoting sustainable living practices in daily life
The work done in these areas counts towards an Eco Church Award.
There are three levels of awards:
• Bronze: Churches often reach this level within 4-6 months
• Silver
• Gold: This is granted after a visit to the church by an Eco Church assessor
For Bronze and Silver awards, the church leader will need to sign off the application to confirm the survey responses. The awards are based on achieving the required standards in all relevant categories
As of the end of 2024, there are 1870 Bronze, 899 Silver, and 40 Gold Church of England Eco Churches.
Church leaders who have participated highlight benefits such as increased commitment and involvement from people outside the core leadership, deeper understanding of discipleship, new ways for people to connect, and enabling mission in the surrounding community by making the church relevant to global issues
How are we starting on this path?
On Sunday 12th of October our morning service at 10.30 will be the launch of Holy Trinity’s journey in becoming an “Eco Church”. We will have a guest preacher Rev. Canon Professor John Rodwell The Diocesan Environmental Officer.
John has worked as a priest and ecologist together for over 40 years and coordinates diocesan environmental initiatives in a part-time, voluntary capacity. John reports monthly to the Diocesan Advisory Committee on which he is a consultant non-voting member and he represents the diocese within the environment programme of the Church of England.
How can you be involved?
If you have an interest or involvement in any of the above areas get in touch with us [email protected]
Everyone can be involved no matter what your age, what church you go to or no church. This is a challenge for us all.
