New Catholic church in Britain to try solar energy

LONDON (RNS) - In an experiment to create an environment-friendly sanctuary, a Catholic church being built at Walsingham is using alternative energy sources to try to reduce global warming.

On its roof will be photovoltaic cells to use solar energy to generate electricity. The underfloor heating will come from boreholes in the ground.

The church's architect, Anthony Rossi, told the Eastern Daily Press, "The intention is to use renewable energy to both heat and light the building, because the protection of the environment is growing in importance and we should all make whatever contribution we can."

Work on the new church began in April and should be completed by June 2006. It will replace the now demolished Church of the Annunciation - a temporary building dating from 1950.