More than 3,500 churches across Britain have moved their electricity supply to renewables, or are planning to do so, according to data released on Thursday.

 

Those switching away from fossil fuels include the majority of the Salvation Army’s sites, about a third of Quaker meeting houses, and about 2,000 churches belonging to 16 Catholic dioceses which are running entirely on renewable energy.

 

The number represents a relatively small proportion of the 50,000 Christian churches estimated to be active across the UK.

 

Fitting churches with renewable energy generation devices, such as solar panels, mini wind turbines and ground or air-source heat pumps, is often difficult, owing to the expense and fact that many are listed buildings. However, parishes can also opt to buy their electricity from green suppliers. Much of the energy used by churches is for heating.

 

The move follows an increasing focus on climate change and the environment in recent years, and the data publication is timed for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which takes place on Thursday.

 

Many of the Catholic dioceses making the switch were influenced by the Pope’s encyclical last year, Laudato Si, in which the pontiff expressed his concerns over global warming and the harm that our activities are bringing to the natural environment. Pope Francis has been particularly concerned over the plight of poor people around the world, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change, and has called on the rich to provide assistance. (The Guardian)

 

 

PHOTO: More than 3,500 of the UK’s estimated 50,000 actives churches have switched their electricity supply to a green one.

CREDIT: Simon Balson/Alamy Stock Photo.