St Hild College receives A Rocha Bronze Eco-Church Award
St Hild college has announced this week that it is the first theological college to be presented with an Eco Church Award at bronze level. The award, presented at St Hild’s recent commendation weekend, is part of charity A Rocha’s Eco Church initiative. It highlights a commitment to consider the environment relating to five main categories: Worship and Teaching, Buildings, Land, Community and Global Engagement, and Lifestyle.
Mark Powley, Principal, says, “I’m delighted that St Hild College has been able to pioneer this important award in the theological education sector. To be the first college to receive the award is a real privilege and something we genuinely hope others will follow. In time, I hope other institutions will eclipse our efforts, and we would be keen to work with them to share what we have done so far. What excites me most, though, is the fact that those who train with us will go on to influence communities, churches and workplaces to take the gift of God’s creation more seriously as a witness to the kingdom. As our partners in Tanzania have shown us, care for the world is an integral aspect of mission. To receive the good news that Christ is Lord is intimately connected with a lifestyle that seeks to steward the created world God made through him. We hope that in our efforts to live more sustainably and thankfully we can help our churches point more people to this life-changing gospel.”
Nigel Hopper, Eco Church Manager at A Rocha UK, says, “Environmental issues increasingly require a heightened level of awareness from all of us; and at A Rocha UK we passionately believe that caring for God’s earth is a particularly important part of the Christian life. The Eco Church scheme is a way of equipping and encouraging churches to intentionally look after creation as an integral part of loving their neighbor and following God faithfully. St Hild’s move to becoming an Eco College is a significant one that we hope will cultivate a culture of stewardship that students can take with them to the communities they go on to lead. We send our congratulations to all involved in achieving the Bronze award, and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop the important patterns of stewardship that are already being implemented.”
Emily Spademan
Communications Officer, St Hild College