Eco-friendly work of Anglican churches in Reading gains award

THE DIOCESE of Oxford, which includes Berkshire churches, has had its work to be ecofriendly formally acknowledged.

It has been awarded the A Rocha Bronze Eco Diocese status in recognition of its commitment to good environmental and ethical stewardship.

It is one of 16 dioceses across the Church of England and 150 churches in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire to receive the accolade.

As part of its work towards being carbon neutral, it has been helping churches switch to renewable energy, install energy-efficient lighting, host climate-focused services and work with communities and other faith groups to plant trees, pick litter and switch to sustainable lifestyle habits.

The diocese is committed to embedding care for the environment across its mission and ministry and has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, the Bishop of Oxford, said: “Churches across the diocese have been working hard to reduce their environmental impact and take action on climate change.

“This award is a recognition of their ongoing efforts and signifies an important step towards reaching our diocesan target of net zero by 2035.

“Caring for God’s world is a key part of Christian discipleship and loving our neighbour. The world is facing serious climate and ecological crises and we each have a responsibility to help renew the life of the earth, leaving it in a better place than we received it for future generations.”

The diocese is now working towards achieving the Silver Award.