caring for creation.
Christ Church has been awarded Gold Eco Church status by A Rocha UK, celebrating our church’s inspiring commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and climate justice.
Rev. Keith Hitchman, Vicar of Christ Church, reflects:
“It’s been a true privilege to work alongside our amazing congregation toward this award. But this is just the beginning. Together with the Diocese and local community groups, we’re continuing our journey to care for God’s creation and campaign boldly on green issues and climate justice.”
Annie Merry, CEO of Faiths4Change, praised Christ Church for blazing a trail:
“This is the Liverpool Diocese’s first-ever Gold Award — a fantastic achievement! Christ Church Toxteth Park has set the bar high and inspired all of us to keep pushing for urgent climate action.”
Our Legacy of Care and Creativity
Back in 2005, we tore up the tarmac around the church to plant flowers and fruit, inviting locals to harvest and enjoy the bounty. Later, pews were removed to create flexible spaces for worship and exhibitions. Erecting the marquee inside the church helped create an intimate, energy-efficient worship areas.
Major restoration projects, including a Heritage Lottery-funded renovation of the church roofs, have preserved this historic building (built in 1871!) for future generations while enhancing its role as a hub for social and ecological justice.
We are a justice-seeking Community
At Christ Church TP, caring for creation goes hand-in-hand with social justice. From climate action and mental health to human rights, the congregation lives by the principle of ‘thinking locally, acting globally’. Our Green Party councillors and neighbours share in celebrating our shared commitment to a fairer, healthier world.
Annette James, Licensed Lay Minister, emphasizes the church’s inclusivity:
“People of all ages, cultures, faiths, and none are warmly welcomed here — all encouraged to explore how we can care for the whole of creation together.”
A Call to Action
Michael Galbraith, a congregation member, draws powerful parallels between past injustices and today’s climate crisis:
“Two hundred years ago, Liverpool’s wealth was built on slavery, which abolitionists fought because it was morally wrong. Today, we’re enslaving our planet — exploiting resources, displacing communities, and polluting the Earth. Western nations are effectively stealing a stable climate from future generations. It’s a profound injustice, and we have a moral duty to fight climate change — for the sake of all life.”
Growing Momentum Across the Diocese
Faiths4Change has been leading the charge to make Liverpool Diocese a Gold Eco Diocese. Since January 2019, they’ve grown from just one Bronze Eco Church to 41 registered churches — including nine Bronze and Silver awardees. Christ Church Toxteth Park now proudly sets the gold standard.
Join the Movement
Christ Church TP welcomes everyone every Sunday at 10:30 AM for worship and every Tuesday from 10 AM to 1 PM for reflection, community cooking, and Earth care discussions. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture, including beautiful stained-glass windows by Gustave Hiller, and connect with a vibrant community passionate about justice and creation care.
Simon Brown, A Rocha UK’s Speakers Coordinator, who assessed the church, shared:
“What inspired me most about Christ Church Toxteth Park was the team’s humility and vision — seeing this Gold Award not as an endpoint but as a milestone on their ongoing journey. Creation care is deeply woven into their lives and communities. This award is just a stepping stone to even greater things.”
For more on the Eco Church movement and Christ Church’s journey, visit Faiths4Change, A Rocha UK, or the Diocese of Liverpool.
Contact: Annette James (wisewomanmail@gmail.com) for more info.