Diocese of Chichester

Receiving the Bronze Eco Diocese award signals that environmental care is now embedded in diocesan life – in policies, planning, and the way we support parishes to respond to the climate and nature crises. It reflects the Church of England’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with its net zero target and invites every worshipping community to see creation care as an integral part of mission and discipleship, not an optional extra.

Buff Stone, Diocesan Environment Officer, describes this moment as “an encouraging milestone for Chichester Diocese as we respond to God’s call to care for Creation,” recognising both diocesan-level work and “the practical steps being taken week by week in our parish churches to tread more gently on the earth and to reduce our carbon footprint in line with the Church of England’s commitment to net zero.”

One of the most striking aspects of the award feedback was the recognition that many parishes in the diocese have already registered with A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme and have begun their own eco journey. This visible level of engagement shows a growing desire to connect worship, discipleship and care for the environment in very practical ways.

In many churches this is already being expressed through the way buildings and churchyards are managed, how energy is sourced and used, and the justice issues that are highlighted in preaching and prayer. Buff notes that “so many of our churches have already registered with A Rocha’s Eco Church scheme and begun their own eco journey,” showing a “real desire across the diocese to connect worship, discipleship and care for the environment, whether that is through the way we manage our church buildings and land, how we use energy, or the justice issues we speak about and pray for.”

For parishes that have not yet registered with Eco Church, the first steps are intentionally simple and accessible. Registration is free, the process is online, and the initial Bronze level can often be reached by recognising and building on good practice that is already in place. Many churches find that the Eco Church survey helps them see that they are further along than they thought.

Buff is clear that every parish can play a part: “Every parish that registers as an Eco Church and works through the first quick steps towards a local Bronze award helps to deepen our shared witness.” Small actions – from an energy audit, to planting for biodiversity, to creating space in worship for climate and creation themes – can all count towards an award and, more importantly, can begin to shape a culture of long-term care for God’s earth.

An invitation to every parish

The Bronze Eco Diocese award is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter. As a family of churches, the diocese now has an opportunity to build on this foundation, encouraging one another towards deeper, more sustained action for climate and nature. Each new parish registration and each local Eco Church award helps to tell a hopeful story to local communities about a Church that takes creation seriously.

Looking ahead, Buff sees this as both a challenge and an encouragement: “This award is not the end of the road but the beginning of the next stage. We still have some way to go, and every parish that registers as an Eco Church and works through the first quick steps towards a local Bronze award helps to deepen our shared witness. My hope is that this diocesan recognition will encourage more churches to sign up, use the Eco Church tools, and discover how small, achievable changes can make a real difference in their community and to the wider environment.”

Find out more and get in touch

Parishes wanting to explore next steps, hear stories from other churches, or share ideas are warmly invited to connect with the Parish Environment Support Network via the Parish Environment Facebook page: here This online community highlights resources, events and examples of good practice from across the diocese to help churches at every stage of the journey.

For direct support, advice or to discuss how your church can begin or deepen its eco journey, please contact Buff Stone, Diocesan Environment Officer, at: environment.officer@chichester.anglican.org

All parishes – large or small, rural or urban – have something to contribute. Registering with Eco Church and taking the first simple steps towards a Bronze award is an achievable and faith-filled way to join in the diocesan commitment to care for God’s creation.

We’d love to share your news – please send your church Eco news and photos to communications@chichester.anglican.org