Ecocongregation Workshop, led by Jo Rathbone at the "Climate Change: How Christians Respond" conference
Jo presented an introduction to Ecocongregation, which is a national ecumenical church-based scheme. It is modular, and resources and support are provided in the form of printed material, a website and Jo herself.
When a church signs up, the process starts with an environmental audit. This identifies current good practice as well as actions that could be taken. The results of this are taken to the church decision-making body, who can then implement the action. This is followed by feedback, and the church is assessed for the Eco-Congregation award scheme.
Areas covered by the scheme include worship (e.g. prayer, repentance, preaching, church calendar), property (e.g. energy use in buildings, management of churchyards), money (how it is invested), communication and working with the local community.
In small groups, we shared examples of good practice in our own churches and then attempted to answer sections of the questionnaire which forms part of the initial environmental audit. The materials are clearly presented and cite many examples of good practice to inspire participating churches.
(this report on Jo Rathbone's workshop was sent in to us by Karl Wallendszus)
