Two environmental awards for Belfast parish

The Revd David Humphries displays St Molua’s Eco-Congregation Award. Looking on are some of the parish’s environmentalists (from left) Sheila Greenlee, Kyle Loughridge, Chris Gaffikin, David Beck and Des Loughridge.

Two years ago, the Men’s Society at St Molua’s, Stormont, Diocese of Down, invited the environmental manager of a local major public body to address them on environmental stewardship. The talk fired the parish to build on its existing social concern work by incorporating environmental issues into its life and mission. Initially a church environmental policy was developed and has been applied through all church activities, steered by a committee of parishioners completely representative of age and gender.

The church has also sought to make connections with the wider community. It has shared concerns with a Roman Catholic parish in North Belfast, established contacts with district councils and other environmentally-concerned organisations and for its good environmental work, including maintaining a litter-free environment, was awarded a Platinum Tidy Belfast Standards Award by Belfast City Council.

Its environmental initiatives culminated this summer when it received the Eco-Congregation Award - the first such award to be made to any church in Ireland for its environmental work in its life and mission.

The Rector of St Molua’s, the Revd David Humphries, commented: "It might seem strange to some that a church should engage with the environmental agenda, but for us it was a natural response to the God of creation. As a church we say the Creed week by week affirming our belief in God, the maker of heaven and earth, and we explore the Bible and discover that creation is a gift from God for us to use and enjoy and that we are called to exercise good stewardship of it. We have sought to follow this calling and have discovered that integrating creation care into our church has enlivened our fellowship and helped us engage with the local community."

The Eco-Congregation Co-ordinator, the Revd Dr David Pickering, commented: "St Molua’s should take pride in its trail-blazing initiatives and considerable achievements. I very much hope that other fellowships will follow in its footsteps and also discover how enjoyable and stimulating it is to tackle one of the key issues facing our society.

One of the lessons learnt over the years is that some of the big issues are not solved alone at international conferences or by political decision-makers. They need the support, commitment and action of individuals and community groups.

In the aftermath of the Johannesburg Summit, the work and mission of St Molua’s shine as a beacon, illustrating what the faith community can achieve. Whilst in global terms their work might seem like a drop in the ocean, if more churches and other community groups engaged with environmental issues then the world, like St Molua’s, might be brighter and more beautiful!"