Cherishing Churchyards Week
May 16, 2016
Saturday 4th June – Sun 12th June 2016
As Christians, we have a duty to care for our environment. Psalm 24 tells us that “the Earth is the Lord’s” – we are only tenants on this Earth, and it ultimately does not belong to us. If we are tenants of the Earth, we have a duty to care for it – a duty to God, to the rest of the creation that we share the world with, and to future generation. Archbishop John Sentamu
‘Caring for God’s Acre’, who are the national Churchyards Group, are inviting Christians from across the UK to join them for a special week to celebrate churchyards and burial grounds and to raise awareness of the treasures they contain.
‘Caring for God’s Acre’ maintain that Churchyards are special places, because:
- They often contain a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
- They are important places for archaeology and history.
- They often have distinctive and veteran trees.
- The stonework and boundary walls provide a home for a mosaic of mosses, ferns and lichens.
- They provide a tranquil place for quiet reflection.
- They are a resource for inspiration and community learning.
- Churchyards are often within walking distance of local communities and can provide a focus for community involvement.
Are you interested in celebrating your local churchyard or burial ground? If you would like to register your event as part of National Cherishing Churchyards week, please download and fill out the registration form which you can find at: www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk
