A new opportunity is emerging for churches to engage their communities with one of the most urgent issues of our time.
The People’s Emergency Briefing is a powerful new film, released in April, bringing together leading expert insights on the climate and nature crisis into a single, accessible narrative.
Designed for community screening, the film presents the national implications of climate and nature breakdown alongside credible, hopeful responses. It combines expert contributions with real audience reactions, helping viewers not only understand the scale of the crisis, but begin conversations about how to respond together.
Across the UK, churches are being invited to host screenings, engage with local communities, and even connect with MPs as part of a growing call for national action. The aim is simple but significant: to help create a tipping point towards the urgent, collective response that is now needed.
Bishop Graham, also the Lead Bishop for Environment, says: “I encourage churches to invite their wider community and show this film – it’s a wake up for us all. Its message to care for climate, people, nature is so urgently needed, not least so that we might live and act as Jesus would have us be.”
The first showing of this film by a church in our Diocese will be at St Mary’s Church in Newton Flotman on 14 May at 7.30pm.
Organiser Richard Beach said: “It will include details on what happening with climate and nature and what does it mean for everyday life in the UK. It is a non party-political eye-opening film screening and discussion. We hope there will be others over the next few weeks and months.” Entry is free but it would be helpful if you could reserve a seat with the organisers, at richard.beach1508@gmail.com
Why churches?
Churches have always played a vital role in times of national challenge; offering care, refuge and a moral voice. The climate crisis is no different. The Church is called to be a prophetic voice and leading by example, show that a different way of living is possible. It affects every part of society, from health and wellbeing to food systems and national security and calls for both practical action and spiritual reflection.
As trusted community spaces, churches are uniquely placed to host screenings and is a chance to welcome those who may not usually cross the threshold to create space for meaningful dialogue. “This is an oppportunity to demonstrate that Christians not only care for Creation, but take action as part of that faith expression,” says Barbara Bryant, Diocesan Environment Officer. “You can screen the film anytime over the next few months – we hope to see a ‘wave’ of them across our Diocese, alerting people and politicians to the urgency of these issues.”
A resource to support you
A dedicated Church Resource Pack has been developed to help you host a screening, whether for your local community or congregation. It includes practical guidance, ideas for facilitating discussion, and suggestions for follow-up activities.
The film may be challenging to watch, but it also opens up opportunities for deeper reflection. Churches may wish to offer time for prayer, lament, and discussion helping people process what they have seen in the light of faith and hope.
Get involved
You can sign up to host a screening or find an event near you: