What happens now?
We hope that you’ve been inspired to try some of these ideas. If your church is really committed to making changes to help your environment, you could investigate Eco Congregation, and make your way toward getting an Eco Congregation award. www.ecocongregation.org.
You could become a Climate Action Group with the Climate Outreach and Information Network (COIN) www.coinet.org.uk
Another good group to investigate is Christian Ecology Link, who produce the magazine Green Christian. www.christian-ecology.org.uk
A Rocha – Christians in Conservation - www.arocha.org
Faiths 4 change - www.faiths4change.org.uk
Resources from the Church of England
Resources from Church House Publishing – Don’t Stop at the Lights, How many lightbulbs Does it take to change a Christian?
Shrinking the Footprint is the Church of England’s national environmental campaign. www.shrinkingthefootprint.cofe.anglican.org.
You could also read “Church & Earth”, the Church of England’s seven-year plan on climate change and the environment.
As a Diocese, we’re committed to being responsible for our environment. In your Archdeacon’s visitations from 2012, part of the articles of enquiry will ask what you are doing as a church to support your environment.
Who can help you?
Graham Andrews, Diocesan Surveyor and Estates Manager, is the Archbishop’s Advisor for the Environment. You can contact him on 01904 699500 or graham.andrews@yorkdiocese.org
Eleanor Course is the Diocesan Communications Officer. You can contact her on 01904 699530 or eleanor.course@yorkdiocese.org
Each Deanery has been asked to nominate someone to be the ‘Dean of Green’ for their Deanery. The Deans of Green are:
- Gail Thomas and Bill Page - Northern Ryedale
- Geoff Jaques - Stokesley
- Geoff Mumford - New Ainsty
- Helen Kitchen - Easingwold
- Jason Greenwood - Guisborough
- Paul Taylor - Southwold
- Peter Burgess - York
- Clare Little – Howden
- Ros Brewer – Scarborough
Contact your Rural Dean if you do not have a Green Dean, or would like to become one.