Why should our church become an Eco Church?

Tall eucalyptus tree beneath a blue sky filled with scattered white clouds

In 2022 Tearfund released the most comprehensive study of Australian Christians’ attitudes towards climate change and creation care:

“They shall inherit the Earth”.

The study highlighted six key findings:

Person photographing a lush courtyard with a smartphone from a balcony

1

Christians aged 18 to 40 years are highly engaged with climate change and increasingly concerned about its impact. They want to see the Church doing more today.

2

Silence and inaction on climate change fall short of expectations.

Black-and-white portrait of a woman covering her mouth in front of a stone wall, wearing a “People ≠ Products” anti-sex-trafficking T-shirt.

4

Preaching on creation care is uncommon and more can be done in practice.

Man holding an open Bible and pointing while speaking to people outdoors
Satellite view of snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and dark coastal waters in a blue-toned polar landscape

5

There is a disconnect between climate change and core issues of faith.

6

Inclusive discussion, equipping and practical steps are keys for leadership.

Group of adults seated in a circle on white chairs in a grassy park, with benches and a paved walkway nearby

3

There is uncertainty about the place of creation in the Gospel and mission.

Large banyan tree with sprawling aerial roots and dense green canopy illuminated by sunlight

How it happens

Becoming an Eco Church is a powerful way to live out our faith, care for God’s creation, and inspire our congregation to engage in meaningful action. Here are some key reasons why joining the Eco Church network is a valuable step for your parish

  • Becoming an Eco Church affirms our biblical responsibility to steward God’s creation.  It signals to our congregation that creation care is an integral part of Christian discipleship. It aligns with our call in Gen 1 & 2 to to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

  • Eco Church membership provides access to environmental leadership opportunities for young people who are the next generation of Christian environmental leaders.

  • Eco Church provides tools, resources, and guides to help churches integrate sustainable practices into their buildings, worship, and outreach. Access to the Eco Action Planner helps churches set goals and take tangible steps towards sustainability.

  • Joining the network connects your church with other like-minded communities engaged in creation care. This support can be crucial for individuals passionate about environmental issues who may otherwise feel isolated in their efforts to bring about change.

  • “Esther 4:14: If you keep quiet at a time like this, God will deliver the Jews from some other source, but you and your relatives will die; what’s more, who can say but that God has brought you into the palace for just such a time as this?”

    Taking action on creation care demonstrates to the wider community that the church is engaged in relevant, urgent global issues. It provides a positive witness to non-Christians, showing that faith and sustainability go hand in hand. It encourages other churches to consider their own role in caring for God’s creation.

  • Participating in local conservation projects fosters stronger relationships with the wider community. It provides opportunities for outreach and partnership with schools, councils, and environmental organisations.

  • There is currently no cost to be part of the network.

 Get Involved

  1. Sign Up – Visit Eco Church Registration to become part of the network. 

  2. Gather a Team – Identify a small group of passionate people within your parish who can explore how your church can take action. 

  3. Set Goals – Use the Eco Action Planner to establish practical steps for your church. 

Five diverse friends wearing backpacks pose together on a forest hiking trail.