Eco-congregations: pilgrims for environmental justice coordinator@ecocongregationscotland.org 07950 244 329
we are … ✓ a small independent charity ✓ working throughout Scotland ✓ supporting churches of all denominations
our values ✓ we care passionate ly for God’s creation ✓ we are a faith-based movement, rooted in local groups of Christians ✓ we work co-operative ly with each other and with others who care about the environment ✓ we encourage transformational change at individual, community and national levels
our vision a Scotland that cares for God’s creation, now and forever
✓ 432 registered congregations ✓ 136 award-winners and YOU! ✓ 6 p/t staff Gordon David C. David B. James Paul Adrian
our role ➢ to support and encourage congregations and individuals to show their care for creation through their life and worship
we support and encourage churches ✓ to discover what it means to care for God’s creation in prayer, worship and conversation
we support and encourage churches ✓ to put that care into action individually, locally, nationally and globally, desiring to live justly in a transformed world
we support and encourage churches ✓ to commit to campaigning on urgent threats to the web of life in our vulnerable world
We support and encourage by ✓ supplying resources ✓ providing advice and guidance ✓ encouraging networking ✓ speakers at events and churches ✓ an eco-award scheme ✓ an annual conference
As pilgrims on the road to better care of creation, we know how important our daily choices are. from “Living the Change”, Global Catholic Climate Movement The challenge of climate change …. requires our churches to make a considerable journey … the route has not been mapped out …. a journey not of individuals, but of a community ……. leaving without looking back. from “Hope in God’s Future”, a Baptist, Methodist, URC Study Guide
‘material wealth and increasing consumption are not the answer to human need’ (churches of Norway) Heading in the wrong direction?
Yes, the planet got destroyed, but for a beautiful moment in time we created a lot of value for shareholders.
And so, what does this pilgrimage think involve? It might impact • our energy use act pray • our travel • our buying • our finances • our politics
What footprints will I leave on this planet?
What is my individual carbon footprint? What is my church’s carbon footprint? My carbon (or environmental) footprint will be felt by the generations which follow for a long time ….
Calculating your carbon footprint is not an exact science ….. …. but the www.carbonfootprint direction of .com/calculator.aspx travel is clear!
How can eco- congregations become involved in pilgrim routes?
St. Andrews Blackadder Abbey Church Dunbar PC St. Anne’s, Dunbar Coldingham & St. Abbs PC Eco-congregations along the Forth to Farne way
Eco-congregations “well aware” along the Forth to Farne way “heard of it vaguely, but would love to be more involved” “three members have been involved with the development” “our church is open most days, “we have leaflets and we do have available in our “have always had a a lot of passing church” few pilgrim walkers” visitors”
Abbey Church glass entrance doors “Pilgrimage and Settlement: a scattering of doves” by Douglas Hogg (former pupil and successor of Sax Shaw as head of stained glass at Edinburgh College of Art). The artwork shows the history of Abbey Church and community, past and present. Front entrance doors: the fading footprints in the sand (taken from children and adults in the congregation), obliterated by every movement of the tide, remind us of the transitory nature of our earthly journey, and are symbolic of a spiritual journey. Inner doors & screen: the coasts of Fife and East Lothian featured on the internal screen depict the crossing of the Forth between North Berwick and Earlsferry in Fife. This was the route of the medieval pilgrims from North Berwick Abbey, the Border Abbeys and further afield, to St Andrews. The doves represent the timeless and spiritual nature of the pilgrimage taking place within ourselves, as well as the more literal earthly sense of moving from one place to another. The wording on the vestibule wall reflects the theme.
How might eco-congregations be involved with Pilgrim routes? Organise walks along parts of the routes Welcome pilgrims to church services Open churches along the route and informal Help with route maintenance pilgrimages are also possible! Provide hospitality for pilgrims
keeping in touch … ✓ is your church registered as an eco-congregation? ✓ would you like to be on our mailing list? ✓ are you looking for advice? ✓ speak to me before you go!
We too set out on a journey of freedom in response to the challenge of climate change, blessed by God’s peace, sent by our saviour, and going our way in the company of the Holy Spirit. from “Hope in God’s Future”, a Baptist, Methodist, URC Study Guide
David Bethune coordinator@ecocongregationscotland.org 07950 244 329 www.ecocongregationscotland.org
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