St Mark’s leads the way with the Diocese’s first Eco Church gold award

St Mark’s Church in Oulton Broad has become the first church in the Diocese of Norwich to be awarded the Eco Church Gold Award by the Christian environmental charity A Rocha UK. Their award reflects their commitment to walk in step with nature and put creation care at the heart of what they do.

St Mark’s Church gained a bronze Eco church award in 2021, followed by a silver award in 2022. Since then, they have worked across all five categories of the Eco Church survey to embed creation care in all aspects of church life and are now celebrating reaching gold!

The Bishop of Norwich, The Rt Revd Graham Usher — who also serves as the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment — welcomed the announcement:

“Congratulations to all at St Mark’s Oulton Broad for being the first Gold Eco Church in the Diocese of Norwich. This is a significant achievement and shows how the care for climate and nature can be woven through the life of a parish church’s ministry and mission. Well done to everyone involved. Now, who is going to be next in the diocese?”

The Revd Canon Helen Jary, Rector of the Oulton Broad Team Ministry (pictured on right, above) reflected on the parish’s progress:

“I’ve learnt so much from our Eco Church journey, and I’m thankful to see the progress that has been made as we have committed ourselves to living out the 5th Mark of Mission.”

Harvey Bradley (pictured left, above) speaking on behalf of the Oulton Broad Team Ministry Green Team, emphasised the positive momentum generated by the award:

“Seeing bad news or good news is a matter of perspective. If we look for good news we will find it. St Mark’s Church in Oulton Broad is excited about receiving the Eco Church Gold Award. We will be using 2026 as a year to celebrate much of the good news to be found locally and internationally — news that reflects communities and groups working creatively to alleviate the worst consequences of global warming.

“Locally, at least 10 other churches in the wider Lowestoft area are registered with A Rocha UK. They reflect an enthusiasm for environmental care within the wider community and are all taking steps to address environmental and climatic concerns through good eco-housekeeping and sustainable lifestyles. Whether through promoting recycling, re-using and re-purposing materials, undertaking beach cleaning, or influencing policy decisions in local government, each of us contributes our part. Magnified globally, these ‘little bits’ make a real difference. The people of St Mark’s are pleased to play their part, grounded in the belief that the natural world is God’s creation and worthy of our care.”

Barbara Bryant, Diocesan Environment Officer, underlined the wider significance for the diocese:

“This is such encouraging news for our Diocese as we ourselves work towards reaching Eco Diocese Silver level. Parish churches such as St Mark’s are a beacon leading the way for over 200 others already on the Eco Church journey. Together we can demonstrate that caring for the whole of creation is central to our mission and ministry.”

Helen Stephens, Church Relations Manager, for A Rocha UK added: “Our huge congratulations to St Mark’s Oulton Broad on their well-deserved gold Eco Church award. Becoming a gold Eco Church is not an easy journey and St Mark’s are an example of the dedication and perseverance that is required to reach this accolade. By remaining focused on the biblical mandate to care for God’s creation and love your neighbour, we hope other churches will join them in taking action to care for this amazing world. We wish St Mark’s all the best as they celebrate their award.”

Further details about the award, the steps taken to achieve it, and the role played by the wider community will be shared in due course, highlighting St Mark’s ongoing commitment to caring for God’s world.