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Eco Church is part of ‘tectonic shift’
A Rocha UK’s Eco Church award scheme has been welcomed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams as part of a ‘tectonic shift’ in Christian culture.
Launching Eco Church at St Paul’s Cathedral on 26th January, Dr Williams said environmental concerns need to ‘embed more deeply’ into the Church’s mindset. ‘But progress has been made,’ he told his audience, ‘you here tonight are a part of that.’
About 300 people packed out the cathedral crypt – which was illuminated green for the launch. Using iPads available at the reception, people saw Eco Church just after it went ‘live’ with advice on applying environmental issues across the spectrum of church life.
Break new ground with Eco Church
Your church can become good news for God’s earth – by taking part in a national award scheme.
And to start your journey, all you have to do is register with Eco Church. Run by A Rocha UK, this new initiative equips congregations in England and Wales to care for creation through every part of church life.
The scheme is being launched with a special reception at St Paul’s Cathedral on 26th January 2016. Guest speaker will be former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams (pictured by Graham Lacdao, St Paul’s Cathedral).
Your donations doubled – for free!
Your donations to A Rocha UK have been doubled – at no extra cost to you.
Supporters who took part in The Childhood Trust Christmas Give at The Big Give – the country’s biggest online match funding campaign – have raised nearly £16,000.
Such generous giving will enable even more children to benefit from A Rocha UK’s education programme at its West London nature reserve Wolf Fields.
‘You did it!’ said chair of trustees Steve Hughes. ‘From all of us at A Rocha UK – thank you! This will boost our primary school events – encouraging more children to discover wildflowers, explore ponds and other habitats.’
Top campaigner to lead A Rocha UK
Prominent eco-campaigner Andy Atkins has been selected to lead A Rocha UK. His appointment has drawn messages of support from leading figures in church and voluntary sectors.
Andy (pictured) has been described as ‘one of the leading environmentalists’ by former Bishop of Liverpool Rt Rev James Jones, who chaired the independent panel on the Hillsborough disaster. ‘He’ll lead not only A Rocha UK – but also the whole Church – to a new level of action towards the earthing of heaven,’ said the bishop.
Aged 55, Andy Atkins most recently led environmental charity Friends of The Earth for seven years, championing nature restoration and bold action on climate change. He previously worked with Catholic international development charities CAFOD and Progressio, before crossing denominational boundaries to set up Tearfund’s policy and campaigns work. He was a founder of the 2005 Make Poverty History campaign.
A key motivation has been his personal Christian faith. The British born son of missionary parents, Andy spent his childhood in northern Australia. ‘I grew up in a beautiful tropical environment alongside racism and other injustice,’ he said. ‘At an early age I realised God cared about these things and thought I’d better do something about it!’
Search is underway for ‘strategic leader’
Saving the planet sounds like a job for Superman. But if you’re not faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, why not lead A Rocha UK instead?
The West London-based Christian conservation charity – which seeks to restore the natural world through projects and people – is searching for a new Chief Executive Officer to take it to even greater heights.
WAY AHEAD
The organisation’s previous CEO Mairi Johnstone left the post in February. Chair of trustees Steve Hughes (pictured) stepped back into the role to give his colleagues chance to reflect on the requirements for a new leader.
Having spent time planning the way ahead, the trustees are now actively seeking a new CEO. ‘We’re looking for a strategic leader who’s passionate about caring for God’s creation,’ said Steve Hughes.