St Martin’s in the Bullring hosted a joyful and inspiring service on Sunday evening to celebrate a significant environmental milestone for the Diocese. Members of congregations from across Birmingham, along with members of the public, gathered in the heart of the city to mark Church of England Birmingham being awarded the Silver Eco Diocese Award by A Rocha UK.
The service was opened by The Rt Revd Michael Volland, Bishop of Birmingham, who welcomed all in attendance and gave thanks for the dedication and commitment of the diocesan Net Zero Carbon staff team.
“God loves what God has made – and it is for us to look after,” Bishop Michael said, reflecting on the responsibility we hold as stewards of God’s creation.
Deanery Environmental Champions led the congregation in a series of prayers:
- For climate care
- For world leaders to take responsibility in caring for creation
- Giving thanks for the Eco Church programme
- And for the many parishes across the Diocese engaging in environmental action
Following the prayers, Bishop Michael gave a blessing, expressing hope and encouragement for the future of our environmental mission.
The diocesan Environment Adviser, Revd Patrick Gerard, introduced representatives from local churches, including St Martin’s in the Bullring, St Mary’s Acocks Green, and St Germain’s, Edgbaston. Each shared how their churches are responding to the climate crisis through sustainable initiatives – from innovative fundraising to investing in low-carbon heating systems – and outlined their next steps toward achieving Net Zero Carbon.
Caroline Eagan, Diocesan Environmental Officer, reflected on the significant progress made since Church of England Birmingham first signed up to the Eco Diocese programme in 2016. She shared highlights of the journey so far, celebrating the growing number of churches embracing practical action to care for the environment.
Currently, 68% of CofE Birmingham churches are registered with the Eco Church programme, and 40% have already received awards.
Polly, from A Rocha UK’s Eco Church team, offered her congratulations and a word of encouragement for all churches in the Diocese. She used the image of a ladybird as a symbol of collective impact:
“A ladybird may be small, but a group of ladybirds is called a loveliness. If every church does its part, together we can make a big difference. Don’t underestimate what your loveliness can do.””
She congratulated the Diocese for demonstrating God’s love for creation and praised the collective efforts that led to this Silver Award.
Polly then presented the Silver Eco Diocese plaque to Bishop Michael, who received it on behalf of the Diocese.
“This is a great encouragement for us as a diocese,” he said.
“Let’s be encouraged. Our choices matter.”
The service concluded with celebration, as attendees enjoyed coffee, cake, and fellowship, taking photographs with the newly awarded Silver plaque.
This event marks a significant step forward in Church of England Birmingham’s journey towards sustainability, and reflects our continued commitment to cherishing creation and inspiring environmental action across our communities.
Want to get your church involved in the Eco Church journey?
Visit: https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/
Or contact our Environmental team at environment@cofebirmingham.com