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200th "Green Kirk" to be revealed on Thursday

Moderator praises Eco-Congregation network

The largest network of community environment groups in Scotland will surpass a significant milestone this week.

The Eco-Congregation scheme in Scotland will register its 200th member on Thursday with a special evening at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.

The 199th Eco-Congregation was registered last week, with Larbert East Church near Falkirk pledging their support. And to add some extra spice to the occasion, organisers have decided to keep the identity of number 200 under wraps until Thursday's event.

Guests will be asked to make a small pledge to the environment, such as measuring the amount of energy used in our homes and seeking to reduce this by 5% by 2009. MSPs Patrick Harvie and Des McNulty will also be giving short speeches.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Right Reverend David Lunan, has been particularly vocal in making the case for tackling climate change. At a recent meeting of religious leaders in Scotland, it was acknowledged by all that faith communities can make a difference by protecting the environment:

"We accept that climate change is a massive failure in stewardship of the earth, and we need to work together to tackle this issue.

"The Kirk is concerned about the implications of this not just in Scotland but across the world particularly because of the threat it poses to the poor."

He felt that all faiths had a common concern for creation:

"I am pleased to say the Church of Scotland is committed to working with other denominations and faiths to respond to climate change.

"Eco-Congregations have a vital role to play in addressing this challenge."

The term 'Eco-Congregation' is awarded to churches who have made a commitment to address environmental issues in worship, in the management of church property and through community action.

Ends

Note to News Desks:

For further information please contact Gordon Bell on 07856 715860.

nr/74/11/08

Tuesday 11, November 2008

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