CAPTION: The celebration at Exeter Cathedral highlighted how churches have made a difference to become environmentally friendly.
Devon’s First Eco Church Awards Event at Exeter Cathedral
The first Eco Church celebration has taken place at Exeter Cathedral.
The event, on Sunday 28 April, included an awards ceremony for 21 churches in Devon which have achieved bronze or silver Eco Church status.
Each parish in the Five Alive Mission Community, East Devon, won an Eco Church award.
In an eco-friendly twist on the red carpet, the award winners walked down the aisle along a colourful mossy pompom carpet, made by the Art & Energy charity, to collect their certificates for their efforts to become more environmentally friendly churches.
The awards were presented by the Rt. Rev’d Jackie Searle, the Acting Bishop of Exeter.
She said “Sunday’s Eco Church event was a wonderful gathering of people who are playing their part in ‘sustaining and renewing the life of the earth’ (The fifth Mark of Mission).
“The stories told were inspiring, and reminded me again that our efforts can and do make a difference.”
“I am delighted that so many churches in Devon have achieved bronze and silver Eco awards and it was a joy to congratulate those who were there.
The Diocese of Exeter was awarded the Eco Diocese award.
“I encourage any churches who have not yet considered the Eco Church scheme, to sign up. The award scheme helps churches to care for their environment, increase biodiversity, make wise choices that support sustainability, and engage with the local community.”
The Eco Church scheme is run by the conservation charity A Rocha UK, which encourages and equips churches in their journey to becoming more environmentally friendly. Churches can complete a free online survey, and earn points based on ways that they are caring for God’s earth. When enough points are earned, churches are awarded either a bronze, silver or gold Eco Church Award.
12 churches were awarded Bronze Eco Church awards and 8 Silver during the Exeter Cathedral service. 9 other Devon churches gained Bronze and Silver awards, but were unable to attend the celebration. The Diocese of Exeter was also awarded the Eco Diocese award.
One church that won a bronze award was St Peter’s, in Uplowman. They were presented their award for their Creation Hub work, which encourages Mid Devon churches and their community to consider what changes they could make to to become environmentally friendly.
During the Eco Church Celebration, three churches shared about the work they had been doing to become more environmentally friendly.
Steph Packham, who is the Churchwarden at St Peter’s Church and has been involved with the Creation Hub, said, “To tend and to treasure is a core part of what we are called to do. If we could make just one change each, what an impact we could make.”
Steph encouraged other churches who might be considering going for an Eco Church Award. She said, “Go for it! Think about your environment, what needs to change, and who can do it. Bring those people together, and see what can happen as a result.”
Our Call to Care for God’s Creation
The Eco Church Celebration included a talk from Dave Bookless, Director of Theology for A Rocha International, who spoke about our role in caring for God’s creation, and why churches should consider becoming an Eco Church.
He also spoke about the work of A Rocha, and their aim to ‘write the gospel in the landscape’.
Dave said, “I’ve been encouraged by the stories of the churches we’ve heard today; ordinary people, ordinary churches, who’ve done some amazing things with their churchyards, heating systems, their buildings, and all of it clearly based on their Christian faith. Based on believing God as creator, and as our mission which includes caring for God’s creation.”
The afternoon also included a Q&A panel discussion; featuring Dave Bookless, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office; Michael Winter who is Chair of Devon Local Nature Partnership; Clare Fussell, Campaign Director of Operation Noah, and Rev’d Canon Cate Edmonds, from Exeter Cathedral.
The panel discussion opened an opportunity for attendees to ask their eco questions.
Clare Fussell, Campaign Director of Operation Noah, said, “It’s been really heartening and encouraging seeing so many churches getting their Eco Church Award.
“It’s fantastic to see the environment is such a core part of these churches mission, outreach and activities.”
If you would like to find out more about how your church could become an Eco Church, contact our Creation Care Officer Sarah Charker who will be able to help you to start the process. Click here to find out more about Eco Church.
