Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron Deemed Green Sanctuary

Just in time for Earth Day, the scored a Green Sanctuary Certification, and it's one of only four churches in the area with this distinction.

Chuches that receive this honor are dedicated to creating a religious community that has a fundamental, bottom-line commitment to living in harmony with the Earth. The churches create sustainable lifestyles for their members as individuals, as a faith community and as environmental stewards within the community.

"Being certified as a Green Sanctuary is an important step in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron's journey to live its mission," said Rev. Tim Temerson. "The core principles of Unitarian Universalism affirm a deep and abiding respect for the interdependent web of existence and our mission challenges us to be a 'prominent force for stewardship of the earth.'"

Temerson said the church views this certification as an affirmation of the good work the church has done and also as a challenge to work harder to keep it green.

"We are in the midst of a marvelous journey and invite all who seek a community of love and acceptance that strives to live in harmony with the web of life to join us," Temerson said.

The Green Sanctuary Certification wouldn't be possible without the UU's Green Team and Green Sanctuary Steering Committee sub-group, which has been around since 2002 and was officially recognized as a church committee in 2006.

The Green Team Committee, co-chaired by UUCA members Allan Lane and Cathy Shocklee, has organized highway clean-ups along an adopted part of state Route 18, worked in the church kitchen and coordinated Green Faires since 2009.

For more information about the certification, click here.