Lindley Methodist Church, Huddersfield is the 4,000th EcoChurch

Conservation charity A Rocha UK has announced Lindley Methodist Church in Huddersfield as their 4,000th Eco Church. The Church signed up to Eco Church as part of their commitment to action following their Climate Sunday service on 5th September. This milestone of churches committed to undertaking practical action comes at a critical time for the climate, ahead of the UN COP26 climate negotiations in November. 

This very significant milestone of 4000 registered churches, means that 10% of churches across England and Wales are engaged with the awards scheme which helps churches to make the link between environmental issues and the Christian faith, and to respond in practical action. 

Lindley’s eco journey began in 2007, when a green team was established after a building refurbishment project sparked a call to become more environmentally friendly. Lindley achieved an Eco Congregation award in 2010 and some of the fruit trees planted by the junior church over a decade ago are still bearing fruit today.  Lindley share eco-lifestyle tips during school visits and in its weekly church notices, including suggestions on personal consumption and carbon footprint reduction. They have made alterations to the heating and lighting in the church building to improve efficiency and are installing water harvesting systems.                 

Fruit and vegetable plots and compost bins at the Church                                          

Hilary Wilson, member of Lindley Methodist Church’s green team explains why they chose to register with EcoChurch: “We have chosen to join Eco Church because of the worldwide climate situation. Our young people are concerned about the climate crisis, and many of us have grandchildren. We know now is the time to do our bit.”

The Revd Sue Taylor says green activities have increased over the last year: “Over the pandemic period, Lindley launched an online gardening and wildlife club. Our churchyard provides a green oasis for wildlife and people alike in our urban village. More than ever, the natural world has been a comfort to many and I am pleased that, as a community, we are working together to do what we can to help protect our environment.

"We are proud of our market stall on Saturday mornings focused on recycling and during Lent we explored a series during our services called ‘Faith and making Your Lifestyle Count’ which challenged the congregation on a number of environmental issues."

Helen Stephens, Church Relations Manager for A Rocha UK, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the 4000th church to the Eco Church community.  An important step and very achievable for any church is gaining their first (bronze) Eco Church award which Lindley intends to do by the end of the year. This first milestone greatly encourages a congregation and demonstrates what’s possible, inspiring them to take further, deeper action, as well as providing a good basis for making links with the wider community.”  

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