Last Sunday at Trinity Church in Abingdon, the service was led by Philip Nalpanis of A Rocha UK, a Christian environmental charity that supports churches in caring for the environment.

Philip explored some of the biblical reasons why Christians should care about the environment. He also echoed Pope Francis’s words that destroying the environment is a sin.

Although Philip does not come from Abingdon, he had heard of the Abingdon Carbon Cutters, and had some some practical (One Planet Abingdon type) ways of expressing care for the environment:
* Reduce consumption and buy only what is needed.
* Repair things rather than replacing them.
* Borrow or share tools and equipment.
* Support environmental groups and take part in local conservation projects.
* Campaign for stronger environmental policies, including writing to MPs.
* Pray regularly for the environment and talk openly about environmental issues.

Trinity has already been awarded a Bronze Eco Church Award under A Rocha’s scheme. All Saints Church is on a similar journey, while Our Lady and St Edmund often have posters highlighting their environmental campaigns. Different churches in Abingdon are finding their own ways to care for the planet.