The Eco Church questionnaire has recently undergone an update, replacing the old questionnaire at the end of January. A Rocha has designed the updated version to be more flexible and inclusive, and it allows all churches regardless of size, setting, or resources to work towards environmental sustainability.
For our diocese, this is an exciting opportunity; we need just five more churches to register before reaching the minimum registration numbers for our Silver Eco Diocese award. We still have other areas to improve on, but it’s another marker along the way to Net Zero Carbon, so thank you for all the time you are investing into our shared future.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest changes and how the survey can benefit your church.
Accessing the new survey
Churches can register for an Eco Church account or log into their existing account, and start a new survey on the platform. If your church is new to Eco Church, it is worth looking at A Rocha’s guide on how to get started.
New survey questions and updated overviews of the five survey categories
The survey continues to cover five key areas, but each has a newly refined focus, and new questions. Each category has an updated overview to help you fill in each part on the survey. The overviews provide information on biblical references, introductions, key terminologies, pathways (not included in all categories), commitments and links, central themes, various resources, and relevant information. You can access the updated overviews here:
New inclusive pathways
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of more flexible pathways, ensuring churches of all sizes and settings can participate:
Buildings and energy pathways
- Pathway 1 – for cathedrals and churches regularly in use, with energy and water supplies.
- Pathway 2 – for smaller or intermittently used churches, including those without energy or water.
- Pathway 3 – for churches without their own building, such as those meeting in rented spaces or outdoors.
Land and nature pathways
- Pathway 1 – for churches with land, such as gardens, churchyards, or burial grounds.
- Pathway 2 – for churches with minimal or no land, focusing on influencing land management by others.
Strengthened focus on worship and teaching
The updated survey strengthens its focus on worship and teaching, addressing critical topics like eco-anxiety, lament, and pastoral care. Churches can now access valuable resources to support their communities in processing grief and concern over climate change:
- Climate grief and pastoral care – a discussion hosted by A Rocha UK.
- Pastoral care and climate grief guide – written by A Rocha UK staff.
- Borrowed time – a small group resource from Green Christian.
- Eco-anxiety blog – insights from A Rocha International.
Recognition of current climate challenges
The new survey pushes churches further in their sustainability efforts, but don’t worry, it’s still practical and achievable.
New resources for churches
The survey introduces new resources across key categories:
Worship and teaching
- Pioneering models of worship: connecting with God through Creation
- Creation care support and training for leaders
Buildings and energy
- Further information for very large church buildings
- Creating an Environmental policy and Net Zero Carbon action plan
- Creating a simple environmental policy – an example template for your church to adapt
- Creating a detailed environmental policy action plan – an example template for your church to adapt
Land and nature
Can you pledge an hour a week to help your church work through Eco Church? Find out more at https://gloucester.anglican.org/living-faith/environment/eco-church-in-an-hour/.
News Hub
