Caring for the whole of creation is core to the work of the Church as a whole. It is one of the spotlights in our Diocesan Life Together vision, as well as being named as one of the Anglican five marks of mission.
We are living in times when there are significant challenges that society needs to negotiate in terms of caring for natural resources. The thriving of creation is both important for its own sake, and deeply interconnected with the physical and spiritual wellbeing of all people.
As a Diocese we have made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, agreed by Diocesan synod in 2020 and in line with the national Church of England commitment. We are also working on broader environmental commitments through the Eco Church Award scheme. We were awarded our Bronze Eco-Diocese award in February 2021 and are now working towards Silver.
We see the environment as underpinning all Christian mission and ministry. As we share Good News against the backdrop of climate and nature crises, we need to be able to express the hope that our faith in Christ brings, and how it enables us to move beyond despair to action. We also need to consider the negative impact that climate changes has on the world’s poorest, sometimes called ‘climate justice.’ Human concerns too drive us to care for the home that feeds us. This means that the environment is not one competing priority among many but the backdrop to all our concerns.
Eco Church In An Hour – Join our campaign
Participation in EcoChurch is key to working on this for local churches. In a crisis, everyone needs to pull together – climate change is no exception. As Christians we are God’s representatives, created to serve and look after everything God has made. We all need to act.
We are calling on all worshipping communities, to be the change, and take part in our #EcoChurchInAnHour campaign.
National CofE resources
The Church of England has some excellent resources and information on their website, including a webinar programme, case studies, the ‘routemap to net zero’ for central national and Diocesan use; and a ‘practical path to net zero’ for local church use.
churchofengland.org/environment-and-climate-change
Local Ecumenical Network
This network meets at lunchtimes on zoom, roughly twice a term, and occasionally in person, usually with an outing to visit an project of interest. The aim is to explore both theological and practical aspects of creation care.
Downloads
Local church environment policy action plan (Word doc)
Environment Policy 2021 (updated annually)
Environment roundup – stories of working to protect our environment
Outdoor worship resource list
Operation Noah Lecture 2/3/13
Forest Church booklet
Green Christian (Cheltenham)
Energy Footprint Tool Instructions
Practical suggestions to help parishes save energy and money
Environmental Engagement Officer – The Revd Cate Williams
Tel. 07394 057087
Email: ku.gr1734624514o.coi1734624514dsolg1734624514@smai1734624514lliwc1734624514
Environment news →
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Grants for gardens
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Videos
Find out more about the Energy Footprint tool →
Useful links:
Environmental liturgy
Young Christian Climate Network
Sustainable Preaching
A Rocha church eco scheme
‘Shrinking the Footprint’
Churchyards (making the most of and looking after)
Forest Church
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Green Christian (National)
Greenpeace
John Ray Initiative
Operation Noah
Eco Church South West (Dioceses, CofE)
Transition Towns
Vision 21
Our Vision seeks engagement to live out Christ’s love and hope by: “Being advocates for human flourishing, through initiatives which combat injustice, environmental destruction, exclusion and isolation.”
