'Caring for God's World'

How good are churches at caring for the environment? A new document in the form of an environmental audit challenges parishes, church schools and community projects as they enter the new millennium to examine how environmentally friendly they are. This includes energy, waste, purchasing policy, use of grounds, transport and investment, and how their concern for the world is reflected in their worship.

The Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark, and Professor David Bellamy will together launch 'Caring for God's World', an Environmental Audit, at the House of Lords at 4.00 - 6.00 pm on Monday March 15. It is an initiative of LondonSCARE (London and Southwark Churches Action Re the Environment), which also includes members of other churches.

The Audit has been produced in association with the Conservation Foundation, with the support of Rio Tinto plc. The Bishops will commend it for use in each parish in London and Southwark Dioceses, which together cover most of Greater London. Bishop Hugh Montefiore, the President of LondonSCARE, writes in the Introduction: "You may think there is little we can do as individuals. That is not the case. If we act together, our impact could be enormous."

The launch is by invitation only, obtainable from Libby Simon at The Conservation Foundation, Tel: 020-7591 3111. Fax: 020-7591 3110. E-mail: conservef@gn.apc.org

FURTHER INFORMATION from: Chris Brice, 020-7932 1121

Bruce Saunders, 020-7939 9400

David Shreeve, The Conservation Foundation, 020-7591 3111.

The Conservation Foundation website is at: www.conservationfoundation.co.uk

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