Eco awards celebrated at the Cathedral
Representatives from churches across the diocese gathered at Chichester Cathedral on Rogation Sunday for a special Evensong service celebrating the achievement of national A Rocha Eco Church awards.
Bishop Will preached, highlighting the Christian call to care for creation. Drawing on the imagery of Louis Armstrong’s well-known song “What a Wonderful World” alongside the Genesis account of creation, he reflected on the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world and humanity’s place within it.
He reminded the congregation that while humans are made in God’s image, they are also part of creation and entrusted with its care. Referencing the growing impact of climate change both globally and in companion link dioceses such as Nakuru in Kenya, he spoke of the real consequences of environmental disruption, including flooding, for communities and livelihoods.
Despite the scale of the challenge, Bishop Will encouraged hope and action rooted in faith, emphasising that small changes in church life and individual behaviour can contribute to the restoration of God’s creation. He commended the A Rocha Eco Church awards as a practical expression of stewardship and a sign of churches reconnecting with the natural world as part of their worship and witness.
After the service, church members, clergy, and cathedral and Church House staff gathered in the South Transept for refreshments, including tea, coffee and handmade cakes, and had the opportunity to view displays of Bronze, Silver and Gold Eco Church awards and plaques brought for the occasion.
Buff Stone Diocesan Environment Officer said: "It was great to have so many people from so many parishes celebrated in the Cathedral- recognising their hard work and persistence in achieving Eco Church Awards. The choir wonderfully sang Rutter's For the Beauty of the Earth - a heartfelt cry from all of us!
"We continue to work together to highlight the urgency of caring for all God's good creation in the midst of the climate and nature crisis which so profoundly affects us all. It's at the heart of our calling as Christian people!"
Every church is welcome to join the Eco Church scheme- the next 6 Parish Environment Support Network online meetings are all to help us on our journey - starting with getting to Bronze, June 1st 2pm (repeat July 6th at 7pm) on zoom.
If you'd like to know more, email: environment.officer@chichester.anglican.org
Pictured above are Revd David Harrigan and members of his church from Eastbourne St Elisabeth's.
Pictured below is Revd Buff Stone, Bishop Will and Revd Martha Mutikani with her team from St Augustine’s at Scaynes Hill.
