Churches in Gloucester Diocese Bless River Avon Amid Pollution Concerns

Churches Unite to Bless River Avon Amid Pollution Concerns

In an innovative approach to environmental advocacy, churches in the Diocese of Gloucester are blending spiritual practices with ecological awareness to address river pollution. This Sunday, Tewkesbury Abbey and St Mary’s Magdalene, Twyning, will hold a blessing ceremony for the River Avon as a symbolic gesture against the growing issue of water contamination.

The day’s activities will commence with a High Mass at Tewkesbury Abbey at 10:30 am. Following the service, participants will process to the river for the blessing, attended by the High Sheriff and local officials. Meanwhile, St Mary’s Magdalene will host a riverside walk and scavenger hunt, culminating in a blessing at St Chad’s Well.

These events are a part of The Great Big Green Week and are backed by the Safe Avon Project. The project highlights the increasing problem of untreated sewage being discharged into the Avon by Severn Trent, a water company. In 2025, the company recorded 546 sewage spills into the Warwickshire Avon, spanning 3,361 hours. Severn Trent has stated its commitment to addressing overflow issues, pledging £160 million for river health improvements.

Rev Canon Nick Davies, Vicar of Tewkesbury, emphasized the spiritual significance of the initiative, stating, “In the Bible, water is the ‘stuff of life’ – a sacred gift that reflects God’s love for the world. From the first moments of Creation to the water used in baptism, it is central to God’s plan for a healthy, flourishing earth.”

He further remarked, “This is why protecting our rivers is a matter of faith. Currently, our rivers are sick. By blessing the Avon, we are not just performing a ceremony; we are committing ourselves to stand up for nature. We cannot remain silent while a gift from God is treated as a waste pipe.”