Worcester Cathedral has announced plans to transition away from financial institutions that support fossil fuel industries, aligning with a growing movement within the Church of England to adopt more ethical banking practices.
The announcement follows calls by Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, urging cathedrals to sever ties with banks that fund fossil fuel companies. Dr Williams, who led the Church from 2002 to 2012, praised cathedrals for taking steps toward what he described as “more ethically grounded banking options.”
Worcester joins a cohort of English cathedrals—including Durham, Southwark, and Truro—that have declared similar intentions. Chelmsford, Derby, and Sheffield Cathedrals have already either shifted to fossil-free banks or pledged to do so in the near future.
“It is excellent news that so many cathedrals have already signalled their willingness to change to more ethically grounded banking options,” said Dr Williams. “The public profile and reputation of cathedrals remains high, even in a society that is less openly religious than it was, so the standards of vision and hope that they set matter to everyone. It would be wonderful to see more joining in this witness.”
The movement is gaining momentum amid increased advocacy from environmental organisations, including Christian Climate Action, which is urging churches and cathedrals to divest from major banks such as Barclays, HSBC, Santander, NatWest, and Lloyds over their continued investments in fossil fuel projects. The group has held vigils and protests outside cathedrals across the country, including in Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Bristol, and Ripon.
Dr Stephen Edwards, Dean of Worcester Cathedral, underscored the institution’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “We began exploring alternative banking arrangements last year and are working to seek the best ethical and sustainable approach to financial processes,” he said. “In doing so, we live out our values as a Christian organisation proclaiming the Kingdom of God.”
Worcester Cathedral has previously declared a climate emergency and implemented an Eco Church programme focused on addressing the wider implications of the climate crisis across its activities.
The move reflects a broader trend toward greener banking, with institutions such as The Co-operative Bank, Nationwide, Starling, and Triodos emerging as preferred alternatives for organisations seeking fossil-free financial partnerships.
Adam Durrant, campaigns officer at the advocacy group Make My Money Matter, welcomed the shift: “It’s fantastic to see even more cathedrals and churches leaving these polluting high street banks.”
The trend signals a growing alignment between faith-based institutions and climate-conscious financial practices as calls for environmental accountability continue to mount.
