The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal, Eco-Congregation Ireland and the Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland (RCB) are joining forces to promote the Lenten initiative: #Jars4Journeys
Bishops’ Appeal Education Advisor Lydia Monds said: “We are inviting people to save an old jam jar or other recyclable container and every time they make a journey that is not by foot or by bike, they can donate to offset the impact of their carbon footprint. The money raised will go towards three conservation projects around the world that support and help build resilience in communities who are most affected by climate change. Bishops’ Appeal and the RCB are match-funding the first €1,000/£1,000 raised. Join us this Lent in being mindful of the impact of our lifestyles on others and on all of creation.”
Three projects will be supported:
• solar-powered ovens for Amazonian communities adversely affected by climate change in Bolivia (Christian Aid);
• conservation farming for self-help groups affected by drought in Ethiopia (Tearfund Ireland); and
• tree planting and water harvesting for communities affected by unpredictable rainfall, drought and deforestation in Kenya (Green Belt Movement).
Anyone can take part in #Jars4Journeys by downloading jam jar labels at www.bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/campaigns/climate-change and donating every time a journey is taken by car, bus, tram, train or airplane.
Bishops’ Appeal regularly funds projects that build resilience for communities who are most affected by climate change. Eco-Congregation Ireland has a vision to see churches throughout the island of Ireland adopt an eco-approach to worship, lifestyle, property and finance management, community outreach and contact with the developing world. The RCB has undertaken a number of environmental initiatives including ‘keep cups’ for staff, beehives at the RCB offices and joining the Climate Action 100+ investment initiative.
Four Bible studies on the theme of care for creation have been published by Bishops’ Appeal
(available from www.bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/pray) and Eco-Congregation Ireland provides further practical and spiritual resources at www.ecocongregationireland.com/modules
The Parish Resources section on the Church of Ireland website includes information on helping parishes to improve their environmental sustainability: www.ireland.anglican.org/parish-resources