The Church of Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to make better use of what it believes to be a hitherto untapped resource in the battle against global warming - the church.

"The Scottish Government's biggest secret weapon against global warming could be sitting in the pews of Scotland's churches," a spokesperson for the Church said.

In its submission to the Climate Change Bill consultation, the Church of Scotland challenged Holyrood to work together with religious groups in its efforts to tackle climate change.

The submission also recommended that the Government focus its efforts on mobilising individuals and communities, rather than on technical and organisational issues.

The Church of Scotland encouraged the Government to partner in particular with the nearly 200 Eco-Congregations all over the country. Congregations that are awarded 'Eco-Congregation' status are those that are committed to addressing environmental issues in worship, the management of their church buildings and grounds, and in community action.

The Rev Ian Galloway, convener of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society Council, said that climate change was "possibly the greatest single challenge facing society today and the commitment to which the Church would give the highest priority".

The Church of Scotland maintains that climate change is an ethical matter, and that it is in a good position to spearhead efforts to bring about greater participation and change.

"We believe that all the earth is sacred and needs to be nurtured and protected," said Rev Galloway.

"People are aware that something is happening but don't necessarily know how to respond or how to adapt.

"The Church has a role to play here in raising awareness and being a catalyst for stimulating practical action, for example through the Eco-Congregation movement and the Climate Change project."

Rev Galloway concluded, "We are convinced that churches and other faith groups can help people respond effectively to climate change by taking responsibility for their own actions and by taking a lead in their local communities."