CofE Birmingham has taken a major step forward in its commitment to environmental sustainability, with the diocese now on the verge of achieving the prestigious Eco Diocese Silver Award. By the end of 2024, all necessary requirements had been met, with just one final milestone remaining the development of a Land Management Strategy.
The Eco Diocese Award is part of a wider initiative led by A Rocha UK, the Christian environmental charity behind the Eco Church and Eco Diocese schemes. This initiative encourages dioceses to integrate environmental care into their mission and daily operations. CofE Birmingham has worked closely with A Rocha UK as it finalises its guidance, and CofE Birmingham has now completed its Land Management Strategy. This crucial document is awaiting approval from FIPS and Bishop’s Council before being submitted for review.
If approved, CofE Birmingham is set to become the first diocese in the country to achieve the Eco Diocese Silver Award. This milestone is a testament to the collective efforts of churches, clergy, and congregations across the diocese, all working towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
The journey to silver status has involved churches taking action in areas such as energy efficiency, land management, community engagement, and worship focused on creation care. Achieving this award would highlight the commitment of CofE Birmingham to embedding environmental stewardship at the heart of its mission.
As CofE Birmingahm awaits the final stages of the approval process, there is a shared sense of achievement and anticipation. Whether through renewable energy projects, biodiversity initiatives, or community-driven sustainability efforts, CofE Birmingham is leading the way in demonstrating how faith and environmental care go hand in hand.