Caring for Creation

We believe that care for the natural environment, which is God’s creation, is a fundamental duty for all Christians.

The diocese aims to provide a lead on Caring for God’s creation by helping churches, schools and other organisations to be more effective in responding to environmental concerns. This is how we hope to fulfil the Anglican Mark of Mission to Care for Creation.

The reasons why we should care

The Church of England expresses the above vision through its ‘Five Marks of Mission.’ These principles help us to see how we might participate in God’s plan for the world and how we can live out our Christian mission in this diocese. We want to be people and communities who allow the Holy Spirit to live and work in us so that we may faithfully fulfil the Marks of Mission.
1. Steward faithfully: Looking after all aspects of the natural world carefully
2. Act justly: God’s world includes people; transforming injustice, challenging violence, pursuing peace and reconciliation
3. Serve sacrificially: Human and environmental needs can only be met when we lay aside our self-interests and serve sacrificially
4. Teach effectively: How should we live? What does God want us to do?
5. Proclaim boldly: The Good News – Change is possible
 
 
Caring for God’s Creation – the current problem

The natural environment, which is God's creation, is facing many threats. These include waste in the oceans and the extinction of many animals and plants. Above all, we face a mounting crisis of climate change. Human beings are responsible for these problems and must change their ways to tackle them.
 
We have to address the climate crisis. The latest report from the United Nations makes it clear that human activities have “unequivocally” caused global warming. We must curb our emissions, for the sake of future generations.

The Church of England and the Diocese of Salisbury have made climate change a priority, and we are taking action to eliminate our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Already, a small percentage of our parishes have achieved net-zero emissions.
 
 
A Rocha - Eco Diocese and Churches

The Diocese was the first to achieve the Bronze Award in 2019.

 
 

Getting more involved

Sign up to receive the diocesan eco newsletter where you’ll be in touch with the latest news and events related to environmental stewardship.


A Creation Care course offers a great opportunity to learn more about the issues surrounding environmental concerns and what can be done in your church. The 6-evening course run twice a year (September and January starts) with Winchester diocese. Email the Diocesan Environment Group for more details.


Thousands of churches, schools and other church organisations have used the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) to measure their energy use. Hopefully your parish has also completed this tool so we can accurately know our overall diocesan carbon footprint.


Read our ‘First Steps’ guide here. Including information on becoming your parish’s advocate for caring for creation and working alongside a large network of existing Eco Champions moving forward creation care across the diocese.

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