Vicars are being urged to cut down on their use of holy water to help combat climate change.

Environmentalists claim that faith groups are using too much water and are now urging reverends, rabbis and other religious leaders to go green.

To help, Ecofaith, a partnership of multi-faith groups, is running free seminars to demonstrate ways of "sustainable worshipping".

Ecofaith has already run seminars to help churches and places of worship reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions.

West Sussex county councillor Louise Goldsmith said: "Although we no longer have hosepipe bans in place, water supply is still a major concern.

"Reducing water consumption makes good business sense and the Ecofaith programme, which is aimed at helping the clergy and churchwardens save money and the environment, is leading the way for churches to do their bit."

The idea of sustainable worshipping has won wide support among the faiths.

Reverend Carl Chambers, from Christ Church, in Stanford Avenue, Brighton, said: "Christians believe that God has made the world and given human beings the responsibility to take care of it.

"Therefore churches ought to be at the forefront of good environmental stewardship - for the sake of others today, and for future generations."

Kathy Manouch, from St Paul's Church, Churchside, Chichester, said: "I think faith organisations have a duty to care for the planet and lead the way when it comes to the environment.

"I don't think religious groups are any worse than any other part of society when it comes to using water or energy but it is down to us to take on board that message and then spread it to our congregations."

St Paul's has already set up its own eco congregation group and uses energy saving lightbulbs, recycling schemes and recharges batteries.

Ecofaith claims many churches are energy inefficient and said most old churches "leak" heating and warmth which make them particularly bad for the environment.

Among the advice being given by the group at its seminar later this month are hints on watering lawns and gardens surrounding places of worship and use of water which could be blessed.

It advises church wardens to fix dripping taps and to collect rain water from the roof.

Ecofaith said: "Water is a precious and finite resource. In South East England we have less water available per person than the Sudan. With the prospect of climate change this could become worse with more summer droughts.

"In addition to this we use 50 per cent more water now than we did 25 years ago. However, simple actions can make a difference. For example, turning a tap off whilst brushing your teeth."

So far 25 faith groups in Sussex have signed up for a free seminar on March 21 advising them how they can cut water consumption.

For more details about the seminars and to sign up call 01243 534690.

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