What is an Environmental Officer?

I hope that over time this will become clear, not only to you but for me too as it evolves!

It became evident some time ago that parishes were being encouraged to view their
buildings, land and general attitude from an environmentally friendly view point. The
Anglican Church has five ‘Marks of Mission’ and the fifth asks all churches to ‘strive to
safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain and renew the life on earth’.
Winchester Diocese has signed up to becoming an Eco Diocese. The possibility of St
Lawrence (for a start) becoming an Eco Church seems within reach. This was
discussed with the PCC and as a Third Order Franciscan it became clear to me that I
should pick up the reins, thus fulfilling the “caring for creation and environment “aspect
of my Rule of Life.

Admittedly much has taken place since the PCC agreed that I should be the
Environmental Officer (EO), including the St Swithun Roof Appeal, hence the tardiness
of getting started in this new role!

I have now registered with A Rocha UK which is a charity committed to helping

Christians in the UK to care for the natural world (arocha.org.uk). It is a year since they
commenced an award scheme for churches. So far over 90 Eco Church Awards have
been presented, including three Golds. I have down loaded the multi-page
questionnaire and with help will complete it and look at areas of improvement to reach
the first level of Bronze!

Recently I was invited to attend an excellent workshop at Old Arlesford Place entitled
Caring for God’s creation. I met with others whose churches were also just starting out
though one was already at Gold Standard! Many ideas and thoughts were discussed
and therefore it is my intention that within our monthly Benefice Magazine there will be
up to date articles/ verses from the Bible/ ideas/encouragement etc under the heading
of CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION. I am intent that this should go into the
September magazine as ‘Creationtide’ or the ‘Season of Creation’ is the period in the
annual church calendar from 1st September to 4th October.This season is dedicated to
God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. It is a time that encompasses Harvest Festival
and the feast of St Francis of Assisi. As Christians, we acknowledge that the
environment is our common home, and we need to tread more gently on the earth and
care for our shared planet. Therefore, this is a special time for us to recall our
relationship with the Earth and the Holy. Christine Pilgrim