10 Years of Eco Church
Celebrating a decade of churches caring for creation
For 10 years, Eco Church has been helping churches across England and Wales put care for God’s earth into action.
Launched by A Rocha UK in 2016, Eco Church supports churches to care for creation across every part of church life — from worship and teaching to buildings, land, community engagement and everyday lifestyle choices.
A Rocha UK has commissioned this 10th anniversary report from Eido Research. The report celebrates what has been achieved so far, learnings along the way, and looks ahead to identify improvements we can make to increase its impact in the years ahead.
Ways to get involved
There is a unique role for the Church in caring for creation, and Eco Church provides a tried and tested way to equip and support churches in taking action. You can support this work in the following ways:
- Pray for A Rocha UK’s work and for the renewal and restoration of the earth
- Give to support the growing network of Eco Churches
- Commit your church to register for Eco Church/work towards an award
- Invite another church to join the movement to protect and restore nature
Anniversary services and resources
Join us as we give thanks for 10 years of Eco Church and look ahead to the next decade. We're hosting four special Eco Church anniversary services in England and Wales, as well as encouraging Eco Churches to mark the occasion in their own churches!
What the report shows
The report shows that Eco Church is helping churches take meaningful environmental action in many different contexts — from rural churches with large churchyards to urban congregations with limited space.
Churches are reducing energy use, caring for land and wildlife, encouraging lower-carbon lifestyles, praying and preaching about creation care, and engaging their wider communities.
It also highlights some of the barriers churches face, including time, money, buildings, capacity and confidence — and points to the need for ongoing support, encouragement and resources.
Eco Church at a glance
Since Eco Church launched:
9000+ churches have registered
4,700+ churches have received an Eco Church award
3,100+ churches have achieved Bronze
1,500+ churches have achieved Silver
120+ churches have achieved Gold
Eco Church has now reached 23% of churches in England and Wales — more than double A Rocha UK’s original target of 10% by 2026.
The next goal is to see 40% of churches in England and Wales engaging with Eco Church by 2030.
A practical framework for church-wide change
Eco Church helps churches take action in five key areas:
- worship and teaching
- buildings and energy
- land and nature
- community and global engagement
- lifestyle
The awards are not just a badge of achievement. They are a way of helping churches embed creation care into worship, discipleship, practical action and community life.
