Gold Award churches meeting

On 25 November 2025, St Oswald’s Church, Methley joined Eco Church Gold Award holders online from across England and Wales for a special online gathering hosted by A Rocha UK. The meeting brought together churches who have achieved the highest level of Eco Church accreditation to share ideas, hear updates, and look ahead to the 10th anniversary of the Eco Church programme in 2026.

A Rocha UK’s Vision for the Years Ahead

Andy Atkins, CEO of A Rocha UK, outlined the organisation’s renewed commitment to supporting churches in caring for God’s creation. Their strategy for the next three years focuses on:

  • Managing land for nature – encouraging churches and Christian landowners to steward land in ways that boost biodiversity.
  • Helping Christians take environmental action – supporting congregations to care for creation as part of their worship and mission.
  • Nature for all – addressing the growing inequality of access to green spaces, and recognising the link between nature, health and wellbeing.

A Rocha also confirmed a renewed focus on climate resilience, environmental justice, and expanding support in all four UK nations.

Eco Church 2026: A Year of Celebration

Next year marks 10 years of Eco Church and 25 years of A Rocha UK. Special celebration services will be hosted in Liverpool, Chelmsford, Swansea, and the South West, alongside local events in churches across the country.

Churches are invited to take part in this national moment of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment to caring for creation.

Sharing Ideas and Encouragement

In small discussion groups, Gold Award churches shared the challenges and joys of maintaining creation care work. Many stressed the value of local collaboration, mentoring churches working towards Bronze or Silver, and supporting communities facing environmental challenges.

For St Oswald’s, the meeting offered fresh encouragement as we continue to embed Eco Church values into our worship, buildings, land, and community life.

Looking Forward

A Rocha UK expressed gratitude for the leadership shown by Gold churches like St Oswald’s. As environmental pressures grow, the charity emphasised the crucial Christian calling to be a prophetic, hopeful and practical witness in our communities.

We look forward to marking the Eco Church anniversary year in 2026, and exploring new opportunities to work with local partners, share ideas, and deepen our commitment to caring for God’s world.