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Scotland's secret climate change weapon

Kirk wants the Government to work with Eco-Congregations on climate change

The Scottish Government's biggest secret weapon against global warming could be sitting in the pews of Scotland's churches.

And today the Church of Scotland challenged Holyrood to make better use of religious groups in its fight against climate change.

In the Kirk's submission to the Climate Change Bill consultation, it recommends that the Government focus its efforts on the response of individuals and communities, rather than on technical and organisational issues. The Kirk is adamant that climate change is an ethical matter, and stresses that the Church is in a good position to lead a campaign of participation and change.

Reverend Ian Galloway, convener of the Kirk's Church and Society Council, commented:

"This is possibly the greatest single challenge facing society today and the commitment to which the Church would give the highest priority. We believe that all the earth is sacred and needs to be nurtured and protected.

"People are aware that something is happening but don't necessarily know how to respond or how to adapt.

"The Church has a role to play here in raising awareness and being a catalyst for stimulating practical action, for example through the Eco-Congregation movement and the Climate Change project."

Eco-Congregations have rapidly emerged over the last five years, and there are almost 200 in Scotland. The term 'Eco-Congregation' is awarded to churches that have made a commitment to address environmental issues in worship, in the management of church property and through community action.

People living in remote areas often demonstrate the resilience that the Scottish Government identifies as a necessary component of adapting effectively to climate change. In Westray (Orkney) the Church has played a leading role in its response both to reduce its emissions and to secure its energy through local renewable supplies. This is just one success story of hundreds across Scotland.

Mr. Galloway concluded:

"We are convinced that churches and other faith groups can help people respond effectively to climate change by taking responsibility for their own actions and by taking a lead in their local communities."

Ends.

Note to News Desks

For interviews please contact Reverend Ian Galloway on 07753 686603.

For a copy of the Church of Scotland's full response to the Climate Change Bill consultation please email Gordon Bell: gbell@cofscotland.org.uk

nr/71/11/2008

Friday 7, November 2008

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