Lomond Parish Church scoops environmental award
Published on 25 October 2019
A church in the west of Scotland has become the first in the region to gain a prestigious environmental award after years of hard work.
Lomond Parish Church has been recognised with an Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award for their work commitment to caring for creation.
Mary Sweetland, Eco-Convenerat Lomond Parish Church, said: "We started on this journey in 2011, and have worked through the levels of the award, raising awareness among the congregation and users of our buildings on the importance of reducing our carbon footprint to protect God's Creation.
"With the climate emergency now declared by governments we will continue to strive help the transition to a low carbon economy, so that our children and their children can continue to enjoy the beauty of Loch Lomondside and the Leven Valley."
Eco-Congregation Scotland is a movement of Scottish church congregations, of any denominations, committed to addressing environmental issues through their life and mission.
Two other Kirk congregations at Carlops and Wardie have previously achieved the gold award.
A gold award recognises that a congregation has met or exceeded Eco-Congregation's highest standards in spiritual living, practical living and global living, and is seen as a beacon in the area for caring about environmental issues.
Lomond Parish Church has only formally existed since the middle of September following the union of Alexandria Parish and Jamestown Parish, so the assessment was made on Alexandria, the building being used by new parish, but Jamestown were also a member of Eco-Congregation Scotland.
The award was presented by Len Gregory, a trustee of Eco Congregation Scotland on Saturday 12th October at their regular Bookroom and Fairtrade Café.
Jackie Baillie MSP and Councillors Sally Page and Ian Dickson attended to congratulate the congregation.
James Anthony, who was the Assessor for Eco Congregation Scotland, said: "We were so impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the congregation.
"They were strong in all four areas being assessed, particularly spiritual and practical living. The use of church grounds for community allotments should be encouraged in all churches with space to spare.
"It was very clear that each member of the eco-team has green threads running through them.
"Every person was committed to doing whatever they can, in their own special way, to the Glory of God."
Find out more about Eco Congregation Scotland