More than 3,500 UK churches have become greener and either switched their electricity from fossil fuels to renewables or registered to do so, according to figures released by charities. The announcement coincides with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1 September, the beginning of a global ecumenical time of contemplation during which Christians are encouraged to pray and work for the protection of the environment. Around 2,000 of the switches come from 16 Catholic dioceses which are now running entirely on renewable energy; some of these diocese made the switch following the Pope’s encyclical for the environment. The number also includes the majority of the Salvation Army’s UK sites and a third of Britain’s Quaker meeting houses. They signed up through the website bigchurchswitch.org.uk promoted by Christian Aid and Tearfund. Following the success of the initiative, it will now be extended into the New Year.