More than 3,500 churches have switched their electricity from fossil fuels to renewable energy, or have registered to do so, according to research published by Christian charities, and nearly 700 churches from across denominations have so far individually signed up through the bigchurchswitch.org.uk website promoted by Christian Aid and Tearfund.
Around 2,000 of the switches come from 16 Catholic dioceses which are running entirely on renewable energy, the figures from Christian Aid, Tearfund and Cafod say.
The Big Church Switch writes:
The Big Church Switch calls on churches and individual Christians of all denominations to switch their energy supply from fossil fuels to renewable energy. By using clean, renewable energy the Church can demonstrate its commitment to care for our neighbours and for the earth – our common home.
CivilSociety writes:
The majority of the Salvation Army’s UK sites and a third of Britain’s Quaker Meeting Houses have also made the switch.
In addition, nearly 700 churches from across denominations have so far individually signed up through the bigchurchswitch.org.uk website promoted by Christian Aid and Tearfund. The charities have announced that in light of the success of the initiative, it will now be extended into the new year.
Another 340 congregations have also signed up to a broader scheme called ‘Eco-Church’, committing to a range of environmental improvements. And 21 Catholic parishes have received a ‘Live Simply’ award, in recognition of commitments to sustainability and solidarity with people in poverty.
