"The Earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it." Psalm 24:1

Jesus came to bring Good News to the poor and told his followers to love one another.  Environmental degredation and climate change caused by the rich world's over-exploitation of the earth's resoures are despoiling Creation and making life difficult, if not impossible, for many people.  in all this, it is the poor who have done least damage who are suffering most.  For many Christians care for the environment is as much a justice issue as a conservation one.

"We cannot show the right kind of love for our fellow-humans unless we alo work at keeping the earth as a place that is a secure home for all people." Archishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

The Diocesan Environment Policy, "Growing Greener Churches," was launched in June 2008 by Bishop George and David Shreeve (Environmental Advisor, Archbishops' Council).  Based on the Eco-congregations programme it commits the diocese as a whole to reduce energy use by 5% year on year and encourages parishes to consider the environment in all they do, from worship to churchyard management.  Each parish or group of parishes is asked to identify a person with a heart for the environment to be their Green Champion and contact person for Growing Greener Churches news.

The full document can be downloaded here.

For further information and to register your Green Champion contact catriona@southwell.anglican.org or Tel: 01636 817232.

The Eco-congregations Church Audit can be downloaded here and more information is available on their website http://ew.ecocongregation.org/

Shrinking the Footprint is the Church of England's National Environment Campaign and has lots of resources http://shrinkingthefootprint.cofe.anglican.org