St Mark’s Harrogate have become the third church in the Diocese of Leeds to achieve their A Rocha Eco Church Gold Award.
The church has a dedicated environmental team with 14 members including clergy and leaders from across the church, which has meant the ethos of 'care for creation' has gradually been embraced by the entire congregation.
Deborah Booth, Parish Environment Officer, said: “The involvement of the vicar and his wife in the Environment group, along with making Carbon Net Zero a regular item on the PCC agenda, has allowed care for creation to make significant progress within the church over the past few years.”
The Revd Mike Resch, Vicar of St Mark’s, said: “Caring for creation and working towards its flourishing is central to the work of Christ on the cross.”
Frances, Prayer Coordinator, said: “One reason we’re passionate about pushing forward with caring for the earth is for the children and young people who attend.
“Many bring their concerns about the climate crisis to us in prayer.”
Eco Church commended St Mark’s for its commitment to sustainability, including the provision of cycle racks for 32 bikes and encouragement of car-free travel, its efforts to share the net-zero journey with the local community via social media, the Clothes Bank supporting local refugees, its thoughtfully designed land use (including a butterfly garden and outdoor classroom), and the installation of solar panels with well-thought-out future heating plans.
The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Lead Bishop for the Environment for the Church of England, congratulated St Mark’s, saying: “It is clear that Eco Church and Carbon Net Zero are front and centre of your work and mission.”
To find out more about Eco Church, please click here.