Caring for creation

a boy smailes to camera as he puts rubbish in a bag. others clean the beach behind him.

Responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation and achieve a just world.

Climate change hits hardest on the poorest countries and poorest people of the world. Meanwhile, the widespread destruction of the natural world is a crisis for creation.

Tackling climate change also supports our local mission. It witnesses to our communities that we are people who care about climate justice, now and for the future.

Caring for Creation in chaplaincies

Becoming an Eco Church

Eco church is an award scheme which provides a framework for churches and dioceses to express care for creation. The Diocese in Europe has been recognised as a bronze Eco Diocese and is now striving for silver! Read more below for more on Eco Church for chaplaincies.

Visit here

The Season of Creation: Creationtide

Information about the current year, resources and inspiration from previous year's annual celebration of creation.

Helpful resources

A list of resources suggested by chaplaincies to support your chaplaincy in caring for creation.

Access here

How the Diocese in taking action

Goby the Whale filled with plastic bottles.

The Care for Creation Policy

God made the world and loves it, but our acts of human sin have far-reaching ecological consequences. God calls us to new relationship, to be part of the harmony of nature and to help protect and restore creation as a key part of our spiritual journey.

Our diocese commits to three projects which help us put Caring for Creation into practice: becoming an Eco-Diocese, working towards net-zero carbon by 2030, and celebrating the Season of Creation.

View our Care for Creation Policy

Programme of Activity Towards Net Zero

The diocese supports and contributes to the Church of England goal of net zero by 2030, and has devised a programme of activity towards this goal. We have some specific challenges in working towards net zero, including low ownership of buildings used by congregations, a wide diversity of national contexts and large geographical spread/ high travel requirements. However, our commitment to measure and reduce our carbon footprint is firm, and everyone has their role to play.

View Programme of Activity Towards Net Zero

Towards Net Zero

Excited by the Church’s commitment to net zero by 2030? Want to know how to put this into action in your chaplaincy? The Diocese in Europe has a Towards Net Zero programme of activities. The steps below are for phase 1 of the programme of activity (from 2023).

Download a friendly printable version of the below here.

Register for Eco-Church

(or continue with implementation if already registered)

Eco Church special instructions for registering guidance.

The EcoChurch programme encompasses Worship and teaching, Stewardship of Buildings and Land, Lifestyle, and Global and community outreach.

It is a useful starting point for engaging congregations on personal aspects of carbon emissions reduction and care for creation. Although it has UK roots, the programme is adaptable to churches of many different contexts. Many churches in the Diocese already have useful experience to share.

To explore Eco-Church specifically for the Diocese in Europe, explore the resources on this page.

Appoint a LEO (Local Environment Officer)

An LEO is a motivator and champion of Caring for Creation in the chaplaincy's activities.

They are supported by information, contact and useful resources from the Diocesan and Archdeaconry Environment Officers.

A draft LEO role outline can be found at the bottom of this page.

When you have appointed your LEO, put them in touch with your Archdeaconry Environment Officer / Diocesan Environment Officer.

Measure energy use and carbon emissions from Chaplaincy activity

Measuring your carbon footprint and understanding the sources of emissions is an important step to reducing it. The Diocese in Europe recommends Climate Stewards 360Carbon (360carbon.org) as the tool to do this.

360Carbon Travel Footprint Guidance

Preparing data for 360Carbon

Make a Towards Net-zero carbon plan

Links to resources to help with this are available on the Diocese in Europe website starting with practical tips and will be supplemented with further guidance to support chaplaincies. One key area for churches to consider in carbon reduction plans is heating – we may need to think about ‘heating the people not the buildings’. Specific webinars on heating for churches are available from the Church of England Environment website.

Install energy efficient lighting

Where churches or other properties are managed by chaplaincies, a review of lighting systems and installation of energy efficient lighting should be undertaken if not already in place. LEDs, motion sensors and many other options are available which can lead to greatly improved energy efficiency (and lower bills!)

Switch to green electricity

All chaplaincies which are able to choose their own energy provider are encouraged to switch to a 100% renewable electricity tariff. Some locations may also have green gas options (biogas). If your church rents or shares premises, a conversation with your landlords / hosts about choice of energy provider is encouraged.

Read newsletters and be encouraged!

Read inspiring and practical stories here to get ideas for your own chaplaincy. This eco newsletter from Gibraltar Archdeaconry is a great way to encourage chaplaincies from anywhere in the diocese to develop their own net zero work.

With huge thanks to Chris and Tricia Wells.

Read the newsletter here

Local level roles

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Archdeaconry Environment Officer (AEO) - Suggested role description

Download

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Chaplaincy Environment Officer (LEO) - suggested role description

Download

Eco grant application form

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Quick wins form