Holy Trinity Southwell

Saturday, 14^th June, saw the launch of “Growing Greener Churches”, the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Environment Policy.

The morning beganwith Bishop George joining a group in a litter clearing and weeding exercise in Sherwood Forest.  This was followed by a coffee and cake reception at Thoresby Miners’ Welfare in Edwinstowe with the opportunity to hear two experts in the field.

Paul Bodenham gave an overview of Christian concern for the environment.  Paul is Chair of Christian Ecology Link and a founder of Operation Noah, the Christian climate change campaign.  He is a member of St Andrew’s Church, Langar.

David Shreeve explained the Church of England’s response.  David is Environmental Adviser to the Archbishops’ council of the Church of England.  He co-founded The Conservation Foundation with David Bellamy in 1982.  The Foundation began working with the CofE when it created the highly successful Yews for the Millennium project and has developed its association since.  David was awarded a Lambeth Degree in 2003 in recognition of his influence on the Church’s understanding of environmental issues.  He is the co-author of “How many light bulbs does it take to change a Christian?” which was published in 2007 and its sequel “Don’t stop at the lights” which will be published in July.

Bishop George and Shelagh Baird-Smith, Diocesan Environment Officer, formally launched the policy which has been developed to provide a co-ordinated response from the diocese to widespread and growing concern about the impact of human activity on the natural environment.  It has been designed to help churches to take action where they can, to encourage and enable rather than to dictate.

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