Cobham church presented with diocese's first Eco-Congregation award

From its use of energy-saving lightbulbs to care for local and far-flung communities, St Andrew's Church, Cobham, has shown a passion for caring for creation.

This determination has been rewarded with the internationally-recognised Eco Congregation award which was presented by the Archdeacon of Dorking the Ven Julian Henderson, on Sunday 21 October.

A commemorative plaque was received by chair of the Eco Committee Clive Moorman who said: "We are thrilled that the congregation’s care for God’s creation has been recognised in this way.

"This award is not just about ‘tree hugging’ (although there is an element of that!), it is also about care for our local and more distant communities.

"It is a testament to the work we do in supporting communities in Uganda, Palestine and Kosovo as well as the support we provide locally. In fact we received a special commendation for how well we were integrated with the local community, schools, Cobham Heritage Trust, youth groups and other churches in the area.

"I would like to thank all of our ‘unsung heroes’ in our congregation, who keep these links flourishing.”

Eco-Congregation is a worldwide organisation, run in England and Wales by the environmental and conservation movementA Rocha. It aims to help churches make a link between environmentalism and their Christian faith and to respond with practical action.

More information can be found out about Eco-Congreagation by clicking here. For more information about St Andrew’s click here.