Welcome to the blog of the Diocese of Salford, where Bishop John Arnold is leading the charge in decarbonizing Church buildings through the innovative “Guardians of Creation” initiative. This visionary project is in direct alignment with Pope Francis’ urgent plea for environmental stewardship as outlined in his groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato si.
By Francesca Merlo
But what exactly does it entail to decarbonize all our churches? Under the dynamic leadership of Bishop John Arnold, almost 50% of dioceses in England and Wales have already embarked on this transformative journey through the Guardians of Creation initiative.
In an exclusive interview with Vatican News, Bishop Arnold underscores the critical role the Church plays in safeguarding creation. He emphasizes that reducing emissions from Church buildings is not only necessary but also an integral part of our faith, echoing the core message of Laudato si.
Caring is part of our faith
Bishop Arnold underscores, “Pope Francis has awakened the world to the issue of climate change and the care of our common home. It’s fundamentally part of our faith that we are stewards of creation.”
The British Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, commends Bishop John and his colleagues for translating theory into action in the Diocese of Salford, a remarkable feat amidst many theoretical discussions on climate change.
From Salford to the world
While the initiative originates in Salford, Bishop Arnold reveals that numerous dioceses in England and Wales have embraced the program. Through webinars, interest has surged beyond national borders, signaling its potential to benefit dioceses globally.
The staggering figures
Bishop Arnold draws attention to the global impact of climate change and the disproportionate consequences faced by vulnerable communities, stressing the urgent need for collective action. He acknowledges the Church’s significant carbon footprint, a revelation that underscores the imminent need for change.
Moreover, Bishop Arnold highlights the interconnection between climate change and humanitarian crises, emphasizing that addressing the climate crisis is essential to addressing migration, human trafficking, and food insecurity.
A call by and to all faiths
Both Pope Francis and Ambassador Trott accentuate the symbiotic relationship between caring for creation and caring for humanity. This joint effort reflects the Vatican’s commitment to climate action and envisions faith leaders as pivotal agents of change in combatting climate change.
Despite the sluggish response of political leaders and industries, Bishop Arnold remains hopeful, advocating for the indispensable role of faith leaders in instigating transformative change. He urges the global community to prioritize environmental stewardship, echoing Pope Francis’ call for urgent action.
The hope of young people
Bishop Arnold draws inspiration from the enthusiasm and engagement of young people in championing environmental conservation. He acknowledges their pivotal role in shaping the future and underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard their inheritance.
As the world grapples with the repercussions of climate change, the Diocese of Salford emerges as a beacon of sustainable action, exemplifying how faith communities can lead the way in environmental preservation. The message is clear: the time for action is now, and every individual, faith leader, and institution must unite as Guardians of Creation.
Bishop John Arnold and British Ambassador Chris Trott in the Vatican Radio Vatican News studios. Photo is courtesy of the British Embassy to the Holy See.
