The Diocese of Chester is to join up with environmental charity Caring for God's Acre to provide a number of webinars aimed specifically at encouraging churches to make better use of their churchyards as places of ecological and social significance.
The webinars begin on Tuesday 05 May and will run throughout the spring and churches will be supported and encouraged to run an activity of their own in the summer. More details of how to register will be shared on the website and the E-Bulletin after Easter.
The Revd Peter Froggatt, Director of Outreach says: "People from parishes across the diocese are invited to a number of webinars, starting in May. You will receive training and encouragement on many aspects of using churchyards as places of ecological and social significance. The webinars cover a variety of topics related to ecological issues and participants will also be helped to run an activity at some point over the summer, drawing in people from the community around them.
"This is a very timely opportunity, connecting with our Lent emphasis on the environment and builds on many people’s recent experience of their local areas, especially its habitat and wildlife. As we enjoy greater freedom, it will allow people to reconnect with one another, and with people in their communities, in a way that is safe, flexible and respects social distancing.
"Using churchyards in this public way will help to communicate that churches are alive and open and will give a positive project for churches to be involved in over the coming summer when others options may be more limited."
Care for the environment is increasingly seen as a top priority and mission imperative in the Diocese of Chester. Throughout Lent, as part of a campaign focussing on the environment and God's creation, individuals from around the diocese shared their own personal stories about the small ways in which they are moved to cherish the gift of life.
In February, it was confirmed that the Diocese of Chester will aim to become an Eco-Diocese following a unanimous decision by Bishop's Council to agree to work towards that target.
Speaking in March, Bishop Mark said of the environment and the importance of cherishing God's creation: "The scientific evidence that we are doing damage to our ecology, I think, is just really clear, and we have a responsibility to work together to leave a good planet for those who come after us. Wherever you are, there are little things you can do which invest in the environment, and, together we can do really big things."