We are pleased to announce that churches who have held a third Eco-Congregation Scotland Award for three years can now move to a continuing award. The new award is assessed every three years.

Here is the process in full:

A congregation which has already obtained a third award and wishes to continue as an award holding congregation is required to meet two criteria:

1. It continues to be active in the three core areas of Spiritual Living. Practical Living and Global Living as itemised on the Eco-Congregation Scotland website, and that it demonstrates a continued involvement in the mentoring and encouraging other congregations either directly or through the local Eco-Congregation network.

2. It demonstrates innovation in, at least, one of the three core areas sustained over the preceding three years. The assessment of whether a congregation meets these two criteria will involve a written report (every three years following the expiring of the third award) or a written report plus a visit by an assessment panel (every six years following the expiring of the third award). The award will comprise an undated Eco-Congregation Scotland plaque with the option of identifying the area of innovation.

Criterion 1 requires a written report (of not more than 1000 words) in which continuity of activity in Spiritual Living, Practical Living and Global Living is clearly demonstrated.

Criterion 2 requires further information relating to one or more of these three core areas, which demonstrates innovation over and above what has been undertaken previously in that area(s). Without being unduly prescriptive, “innovation” requires evidence of sustained and successful new activity which can be seen as a -step-change- from previous work.  This second part of the report should not exceed 1000 words.

Examples of areas in which innovation might be achieved include:

• Eco-worship and liturgy, working with children and/or young people (Spiritual Living);
• Reducing carbon emissions, waste minimisation, encouraging biodiversity (Practical Living);
• Fair trade and campaigning on local / global issues, engaging with the local community outwith the congregation (Community Living)

Note that these suggested areas for innovation are illustrative and not prescriptive.  Congregations seeking continued recognition beyond their third award are encouraged to identify an area, relevant to their local situation, which can clearly be seen as a “step change” from previous activities.