A BISHOP has urged church-goers across Lancashire to "go-green" in a bid to save the environment.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, said worshippers in the area could all do their bit to translate Christian faith into action..

He said: "Every parish can do a green mission, whether it is creating a quiet space in the churchyard, holding a Fair Trade coffee morning, organising an event to promote 'green tourism' - to cut down some of our self-indulgent flying - picking up litter in a local area, or encouraging people to 'buy local."

The Bishop, whose diocese covers the whole of Lancashire, will address the Diocesan Synod meeting in Blackburn tomorrow on the issue.

And he said that mere environmental concern was not an option among Christians.

He said: "What God created was very good and what human greed and selfishness has desecrated demands a response of active restoration from all Christians.

"We live in a world under threat. Climate change has moved from theoretical possibility to frightening enactment.

"A key phrase is 'tipping point', a point of no return, when environmental factors will appear beyond redemption - and I use that theological term advisedly."

He said that proposals for a "green Lent" commended to the Church of England by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, should be developed across Lancashire through individual, parish and community care for the planet.

The Archbishops said that instead of parishioners giving up luxuries like chocolate for lent they should aim to reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit for the planet.

The Bishop added: "I'd like to think our green Lent could be transformed into a green year through Christian influence across Lancashire.

"Individuals and parish communities should decide to give something up, preferably permanently, as we become more at ease and less confrontational with the creation God has loaned into our care."