The Methodist Church of Great Britain has dropped its target of achieving net zero by 2030. 

After parts of the Church have struggled to develop a strategy to meet the aspirational goal, the Connexional Council has “advised with lament” that a more flexible approach should be adopted instead.

It believed scrapping the fixed deadline “reflects a more honest and sustainable pathway”, while maintaining a dedication to addressing “the worsening situation and unjust impacts of the climate crisis on God’s creation”.

A report to the Church’s conference praised practical steps that have already been taken, such as installing solar panels and heat pumps, reducing travel emissions, and measuring carbon footprint. More than 1,300 Methodist Churches are also signed up to the Eco Church scheme. 

Dr Hamish Leese, director of environmental engagement, said: “While progress has been made which wouldn’t have happened without this target, it is important for us to recognise and acknowledge with lament that we will not be a net zero Church by 2030. 

“The target was an aspirational one precisely because we knew the scale of the challenge in achieving it, and it is one which the Church has not had the capacity to achieve. To retain a target we know we are unable to achieve would undermine our credibility on this incredibly important issue and would open us to accusations of ‘greenwashing’.

“Although the Church is moving away from the time-bound target, this is in no way an indication that these issues are any less important to the Church. 

“Climate change is inherently and inescapably an issue of mission, discipleship and justice. Indeed, this proposed change is a recognition that an issue of this importance requires a realistic and practical approach which moves beyond an aspirational target which is out of reach.”

The report has been given at the Church's conference in Telford, as part of its Action for Hope work.