More than 120 people working to look after the environment across the Church of England gathered at the headquarters of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge to share ideas and learnings in late April.
A two-day Connect 2025 conference, sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, part of the Benefact Group, was held to connect more than 120 people from all 42 dioceses plus other denominations to share expertise on climate change, net zero and the theology behind caring for God’s creation.
Our Net Zero Adviser, Ed Cotterill and Diocesan Environment Officer, Barbara Bryant (pictured above with their counterparts from the dioceses in the Eastern region) attended the event. Barbara said: “It was a great opportunity to meet so many colleagues from around the country with a shared passion for looking after the environment and achieving net zero carbon. It’s always encouraging to hear from and share with one another. Lots of great ideas will now be worked through to add to our ongoing work in order to support our local parishes on their creation care journey.”
Speakers included our own Bishop Graham, who is also the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for the Environment; Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation and Impact, British Antarctic Survey; Revd Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Alex Randall from Climate Outreach.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Graham said: “Acting to prevent global warming and biodiversity loss is the right thing to do and a sign of Christian compassion for those who are suffering as a result of the climate crisis.”
Bishop Graham thanked parishes and staff for their ‘hard work and commitment’ towards net zero carbon by 2030 and their support for churchyards to become havens for biodiversity. Both aims have been backed by the General Synod.
Julian Atkins, the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme Director said: “It was wonderful to see so many of our professional colleagues from all over the country – from as far as Carlisle and all the way down to Cornwall – join together to learn from each other.
“They’re now eager to take back these new ideas and connections to help their local parishes to deliver environmental and net zero projects on the ground. Our thanks goes to Ecclesiastical Insurance for sponsoring this conference and enabling us to connect to our wider network in this inspiring way.”
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