Eco Diocese and Eco Church in the Diocese of Bristol

First published 30th March 2019

Creation care and the environment

Recognising the significant impact of climate change and the part which churches can play in caring for the environment is one of the Five Marks of Mission.

Sarah Wiggins, Global Advocacy Leader with Tearfund, spoke at Diocesan Synod in March 2019 about what individuals and churches can do to care for creation. She was supported by Martin Gainsborough, in his role as Diocesan Environmental Officer.

Sarah told Synod that the Church has a special role to play in protecting the planet. She said: Communities are looking to us to see how we will respond to the issues of our time. Time and time again, secular organisations say that Christians need to be in that space to talk about values.

God wants to reveal himself and his promises through nature. I believe there is hope, but all the work that we have done to eradicate poverty is at risk, because we are not taking care of God's world. 

The Diocese is pleased to report that it has registered to become an Eco Diocese and parishes are encouraged to take action to become Eco Churches.

Eco Church is A Rocha UKs award scheme for churches in England and Wales who want to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for God's earth.

The free online survey and supporting resources are designed to equip churches to express their care for God's world in their worship and teaching; in how they look after their buildings and land; in how they engage with their local community and in global campaigns, and in the personal lifestyles of their congregation.

The actions a church takes will count towards a prestigious Eco Church Award at Bronze, Silver or Gold level.

Churches can complete the Eco Survey to gauge where they currently are in relation to the three different levels.

A Rocha's vision is for churches to care for creation as an integral part of loving their neighbours and following God faithfully.
Click here to register your church now.

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