About Us

Eco-Congregation Ireland (ECI) encourages churches of all denominations to take an eco approach to worship, lifestyle, property and finance management, community outreach and contact with the developing world.

Our vision is to see churches of all denominations throughout Ireland celebrate the gift of God’s creation, recognise the inter-dependence of all creation and care for it in their life and mission and through members’ personal lifestyles.

We ask Christians everywhere to reflect on the beauty of God’s world and to consider what practical steps can be taken to prevent further damage to the environment. Also, to pray for our wounded planet, for people in the developing world already affected by climate change and for future generations.

ECI is a project initiated by the Church in Society Forum – a standing committee of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting. The Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist churches are involved as well as the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

We offer resources and support to help churches take practical eco action in the context of their Christian faith. A simple church check-list (Resources, section 1) helps churches assess what they are already doing and determine future priorities. Once you have completed this check-list, you are on your way to becoming an eco-congregation!

Our resources also include sections on Worship and Teaching, Children’s and Youth Work, Property and Grounds Management, Finance and Waste, Personal Lifestyles, Working with the Local Community and Thinking Globally. These are all free to download.

Churches can work through, say, three sections in one year. Or they may choose to take a more ad-hoc approach. Whatever suits!

The resources are designed to enable congregations to be self-sufficient in their eco work and monitor their own progress. But, for admin, networking and funding purposes, we’d appreciate if you register your interest with us by completing the form on page 11 of Section 1 and send it to Eco-Congregation Ireland, c/o 45 Belvoir Drive, Belfast BT8 7DH.

To receive our e-newsletter, simply send an email with the word ‘subscribe’ in the subject-line to [email protected].