The URC Southern Synod has now achieved Bronze Eco Synod status in the Eco Church awards programme. This news was announced at Synod Together where Ian Moore, the new Green Apostle for Southern Synod presented the certificate to Rev Russell Furley-Smith.
The Eco Synod programme brings together the work of local churches in the Eco Church scheme, and initiatives at Synod level, such as ensuring the Synod’s financial investments are in line with its environmental policies, embedding caring for God’s creation as part of ministerial training, and working towards net zero across the Synod’s activities.
Another part of the Eco Synod requirements is to get the habit of recording and celebrating individual environmental initiatives, which they do through the Green Apostle’s newsletter. The next newsletter will highlight some of the changes made at Oxted URC, who have recently gained the Silver Award. At present there are 39 churches across Southern Synod registered with the Eco Church scheme. The Synod would love to see the number grow.
We are currently at the Bronze Award Level – so a challenge to us to move on.