Eco Diocese

Eco Diocese is an initiative run by A Rocha UK to encourage diocesan-level engagement with Eco Church, and promote local church participation in the scheme.

To become an Eco Diocese, a Diocese must meet the following criteria:

Register its intent.
Appoint an individual or group to coordinate progress.
Write an environmental policy.
Have a certain percentage of churches in the Diocese registered and awarded Eco Church status.
Achieve Eco Church status for its Diocesan House or Office.
Embed environmental issues into its ministerial education.
Manage Diocesan investments ethically.
Work collaboratively with other Dioceses and faith groups.
Establish a habit of recording and celebrating environmental achievements.

There are currently eight Dioceses who have been awarded Eco Diocese status (Birmingham, Coventry, Guildford, Leeds, Liverpool, St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Salisbury, and Winchester), with more registered.

A giant globe hangs in Salisbury Cathedral — A giant globe takes the breath of two onlookers suspended high above Salisbury Cathedral's medieval nave

St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

St Edmunsbury and Ipswich became a Bronze Eco Diocese in 2019 and they are currently working their way towards Silver level accreditation. You can read their environmental policy by clicking here.

Salisbury

Salisbury was the first ever Eco Diocese and shares many of its resources with other churches in the South West (see here). It has been particularly active in encouraging its churches to take part in the Big Church Switch, switching over to renewable energy sources. To find out more about the Diocese of Salisbury's efforts as an Eco Diocese, see here.

Winchester

Winchester Diocese have made the following film as part of their Eco Diocese activity, which explains what Eco Church is and why churches should get involved.