In October, the first-ever joint Eco Conference between the Dioceses of Rochester and Canterbury took place.
Hosted at St Luke’s Church in Maidstone in Canterbury Diocese, this Net Zero Demonstrator Church led by example, with its warm, welcoming space heated by a new infrared system powered by recently installed solar PV panels.
The event brought together over 80 attendees (in person and online) from both dioceses for a morning of listening, learning, and connecting around the shared commitment to caring for God’s creation.
Contributions came from two A Rocha Eco Church Gold Award churches, St Mary’s, Smeeth, and The Holy Redeemer, Lamorbey, who offered practical inspiration for what is possible when sustainability becomes a core part of mission.
Representatives of both Rochester and Canterbury Cathedrals spoke about the unique role cathedrals can play as centres of heritage and influence, and the Next Gen youth group from St Martin, Maidstone, led prayers and shared their hopes and concerns for the future of the planet.
For Kayleigh Ward, Net Zero Advisor for Rochester Diocese, the day was confirmation of the incredible commitment to climate care taking place across parishes:
“As a team, we are so grateful for the way parishes are engaging with this work. In Rochester Diocese alone, 88 per cent of the churches have submitted their Energy Footprint Tool, which is an amazing achievement and gives us vital data to help support churches with next steps.“
Watch the 'thank you' message from Kayleigh Ward, Net Zero Advisor for Rochester Diocese
Alongside this, she says that £48,000 of Quick Wins funding secured by the team from the national church has been quickly taken up by churches for initiatives such as LED lighting and heated seat cushions, and 35 energy audits have been subsidised to help churches understand how they can reduce energy consumption and energy bills.
“The enthusiasm with which all these opportunities have been taken up by churches is so encouraging, and so we want to thank every parish for their commitment, and we look forward to continuing to support them on their Net Zero journeys.”
Watch the video from the ‘Celebrating Creation Care’ Eco Conference 2025