Eco Church is the awards scheme run by the charity A Rocha UK, which encourages and supports churches in their care for God’s creation and works towards a more sustainable world for all.
This involves addressing five key areas of church life; worship and teaching, buildings, land, community and global engagement, and lifestyle.
Can you join us in the journey to become an Eco Church?
Making small changes can help your church in achieving Eco Church accreditation from A Rocha UK. It might include signing up with a green energy supplier, reducing your purchase of single-use plastic items, and remembering to put your rubbish in the correct recycling bins. Eco Church Awards operates through an online survey asking churches how they care for God's earth in different areas of their life and work. By answering questions, you collect points towards a bronze, silver or gold Eco Church Award.
How do we get started?
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Register your church at https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk
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Build a team of people to help you answer the questions, including children, young people, and people beyond your regular congregation. Can you work together with local schools and community groups?
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See how many Eco Church points you achieve by completing the questionnaire.
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The survey will suggest ideas for further action, many of them easily achievable and affordable.Be sure to update the survey with any changes you implement and notice what happens to your points.
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Check out the suggested online resources and develop your ideas further. They include prayers, activities for young people, information on green energy, insulation and developing wildlife friendly church grounds.
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When you have enough points, complete the Award Application Form.
For help with Eco Church sign-up, registration and getting started, here is a helpful video from A Rocha.
Useful resources:
| Jargon Buster | Ecology Science | Responding to Climate Change | Theology of Ecology |
| Lifestyle |
Help and advice
For help or advice on any aspect of Eco Church, please contact the Diocesan Environment Officer, or refer to the A Rocha website, which has plenty of useful information and resources.