Christian Ecology and EcoChurch

Welcome to Trinity URC Wimbledon’s webpages on Christian ecology. In promoting better ecology in our church and among our congregation, we’re guided by Operation Noah’s motto: Faith-motivated. Science-informed. Hope-inspired. Elsewhere in this section we include a page of practical tips for sustainable living, and some thoughts on Christian denominational approaches to the environment.

EcoChurch is the heart of what Trinity intends for its mission in Christian ecology. A recognised standard in Christian environmental achievement, re-launched at St Paul’s Cathedral in January 2016, EcoChurch celebrates congregations’ practical work in personal and church life, responding to climate change. The award is run by A Rocha UK, an ecumenical group. Since summer 2016, a small Trinity working group led by our minister has worked towards Bronze accreditation, the initial tier of achievement. Soon we’d like to be at Gold standard, as assessed by an independent scrutineer.

EcoChurch’s questionnaire available in the notice board corridor records how Trinity measures up. Sections on worship and teaching, on land and buildings, on engagement with our community and globally, on lifestyle and behaviours, set out detail. As of mid-2017 we’re at Silver level already in some features, even as we turn our attention to those areas currently holding us back.

Highlights in Trinity’s achievements recognised by EcoChurch include:

Celebrating Creationtide, Christianity’s five-week festival starting in September
Switching energy supply in 2016 to 100% renewable gas & electricity
‘Toilet twinning’ undertaken by our church’s children and young people
Some car-sharing by worshippers

… and the areas identified for improvement include

Providing practical encouragement to our church community on cutting consumption, waste or carbon emissions
Promoting our on-site composting facility to Mansel Road Centre hirers and users
Broadening our engagement in local and/or global environmental campaigning

Our Eco-church working group will be looking to your interest and engagement. Don’t hold back!