Colleagues from all 42 dioceses across the Church of England gathered this week to find inspiration and support as they work to care for creation.
At Christian conference centre The Hayes, representatives from every diocese spent two days at Connect 2026, an annual conference for Diocesan Environment Officers and Net Zero Carbon Officers. Delegates listened to speakers on a range of topics, which included learning about how ecumenical partners from the Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, and the Salvation Army are tackling climate change in their own denominations, as well as exploring what the UK as a whole can do to cut national carbon emissions.
Workshops were designed to help attendees learn from each other, as well as give them practical tools for communicating about their work and the importance of caring for our planet to the mission of the church. The final afternoon was given over to ‘Open Space sessions’, where delegates set their own agenda and discussed topics and ideas most important and relevant to their roles.
A highlight of the conference was a video from Archbishop Sarah Mullally, speaking to delegates on the eve of her Installation at Canterbury Cathedral. She thanked those gathered for their work, saying: “Your leadership on environment and net zero carbon is a vital part of the Church’s witness today. In caring for God’s creation, you are helping the church live out its faith in practical, hopeful, and often challenging ways, offering a vision of responsibility and hope for the future.”
Those who are part of the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon and Environment networks headed back to their home dioceses with renewed inspiration and energy to tackle the work ahead – helping our parishes to care for God’s creation and love our neighbours.
Barbara Bryant, Diocese of Norwich Environment Officer, said, “It’s always inspiring to connect with colleagues from across the country, sharing ideas and successes, and hearing from so many different voices.”
During the conference, attendees were encouraged to contribute a leaf to the Tree of Hope – an installation of hopes and prayers for creation. Inspired by Revelation 22:2, ‘and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations’, it bloomed over two days as a visual symbol of hope and action for the future.
Find out more about our environmental mission and ministry here: Environment – Diocese of Norwich