Christ Church Gets Eco Award. Christ Church Swindon is the proud recipient of the A Rocha UK Eco Church Gold Award. It recognises the church as a national leader in Christian creation care. The award follows a detailed and rigorous assessment process. During it, evaluators described Christ Church as ‘as beacon Christian community, inspiring other churches to make a similar journey in their own context.’
The gold award is the highest level in A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme. The scheme encourages and supports churches in caring for God’s earth through worship, buildings, land, community engagement, and lifestyle. Christ Church is now one of only 109 churches in the UK to achieve the Gold Award, the third in the Diocese of Bristol and the first in Swindon.Â
Dedicated team
This achievement is in large part thanks to the dedicated work of the church’s Eco Team. Headed by Anne Grainger, her leadership and commitment have helped turn vision into reality.Â
Anne Grainger, Eco Team Chair, said:Â
‘We’re happy to receive this award as it shows we’re moving in the right direction. This isn’t the finish line but a milestone on our journey to help protect the earth for future generations. And to inspire others to do the same.’
Daphne Hardwick, Christ Church Eco Fair Organiser, said:Â
‘We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many local eco and wildlife organisations who’ve supported and partnered with us throughout this journey. Their expertise, encouragement, and collaboration have been invaluable in helping us achieve this milestone. We look forward to continuing these strong partnerships as we work together in our community to care for God’s creation.’
The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Suffragan Bishop of Swindon, said:Â
‘I’d like to offer my congratulations to Christ Church Swindon for becoming the first church building in Swindon to receive this status. They’ve joined two other congregations in the diocese who’re also commended for their attentiveness to environmental justice. This is a wonderful example of how our church communities are responding to the cry of the earth. And I’m pleased that their hard work has received this recognition.’
The Revd Canon Simon Stevenette, Vicar of Christ Church with St Mary’s, expressed gratitude for the dedication of any people over the years:Â
‘This achievement is the result of years of prayer, action and partnership. We’re thankful for all who’ve worked so hard to help us reach this point. From those who inspired our creation care journey years ago, to the many volunteers and community partners who have been part of our mission. We’re honoured to get this recognition and are humbled by the responsibility to inspire others in caring for God’s creation.’
A tribute
The award is also a tribute to the legacy of creation care pioneers within the church, including:
- Owen Barraclough
- Margaret Williams
- Phil Mansfield
As well as the inspiration of Martin Palmer and the encouragement of the Old Town Partnership and Swindon Deanery colleagues.Â
Looking ahead, Christ Church plans to continue working with its many community partners to further develop its environmental mission, seeking to live out God’s passion for the renewal of the whole created order. We hope that this Gold Award will inspire other churches to pursue environmental initiatives. And hear the cry of the earth and join us in achieving Net Zero by 2030.Â
For more information about Christ Church Swindon and its creation care initiatives, visit: https://linktr.ee/christchurchswindonecohub
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