We need you! Register for the Eco Church journey
As part of our commitment to working towards net-zero by 2030, the Diocese of Norwich has registered to become an Eco Diocese within the A Rocha UK project Eco Church.
In order to reach the first level Bronze Award, we need to have at least 10 per cent of our churches registering as Eco Churches. We currently have just 25. Please consider signing-up as part of your fifth mark of mission.
How Does It Work?
You register online and complete a simple survey about how your church operates in different areas of its life and work. Your answers will collect points towards an Eco Church Award – the more your church does, the more points you get! If your score doesn’t gain you an Eco Church Award straight away, don’t worry – the idea is to complete suggested tasks in order to gain the points necessary for an Award. For example, you can switch to a green energy company or use Fairtrade for your tea and coffee supplies to gain Eco Church points. The survey takes you through five key areas of church life:
- worship and teaching
- management of church buildings
- management of church land
- community & global engagement
- lifestyle.
It takes into account whether or not your church has buildings or land. You can save your survey responses at any point and return to update them as your church completes additional actions. Free Eco Church resources give lots of support and advice about how to make the changes your church needs to become an Eco Church. Once your survey indicates that you have enough points for an Award, you can apply to become an Eco Church.
The award has three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and you will receive a certificate and (an optional) plaque from A Rocha UK. At Bronze and Silver level, a letter of confirmation from your church leader that the survey responses are a true reflection of the current work and witness of your church will be required. A Gold Award will be granted following a visit to your church by an Eco Church Assessor.
How long will it take to get an award?
The survey takes about 20 minutes to fill in – but the amount of work your church does to qualify for an Award and the time that takes is up to you! A Bronze Award will take less time than a Gold Award – but if you are going for an Award, we say “go for Gold!”
You can find out more and register at: https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk
Do please let me know if you are registering as we’d love to follow and support you in your journey. We can put you in touch with others who have already achieved their Bronze or Silver Awards to learn from their experience. Join the community at: www.facebook.com/groups/NorfolkEcoChurch
Keep an eye out for all environmental updates and stories on the Diocese of Norwich environment page here: www.DofN.org/environment
The author...
Mrs Barbara Bryant
Bishop's Press, Projects and Research Officer
This article is from...
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