In the Diocese of York, we are blessed to live in “God’s own county”. The good creation all around us reflects God’s love for us. Created in his image, we have been given responsibility to represent God as stewards of this planet.
Hope for All Creation
In July 2026, General Synod approved Hope for All Creation, a new teaching document from the House of Bishops. It sets out a Christian response to the environmental crises facing the world, including climate change and the loss of nature.
The document is in three parts, See, Reflect, and Respond, and its central message is one of hope. God has not abandoned creation, and the Church is called to live faithfully in the light of Christ’s reconciliation and the promised renewal of all things. The bishops hope it will be studied and discussed in parishes, and that it will lead to action.
- Read Hope for All Creation online (free PDF), or buy the illustrated book from Church House Publishing
- Six Bible studies for small groups
- Further reading and resources
Creation Care is Living Christ’s Story
Becoming more like Christ
As members of Christ’s body, we are called to heal what has been broken by human sin. Created in the image of God, we are agents of divine transformation and redemption, and ambassadors of the new creation in Christ Jesus. In our dealings with the natural world around us, we boldly embrace the sacrificial humility of our Lord.
Reaching the people we currently don’t
Climate change is a major issue for young people today. Research by Tearfund and Youthscape found that 98% of Christian teenagers have friends who care about climate change, and that:
- 9 out of 10 young people are concerned about the climate crisis
- fewer than 1 in 10 think churches are doing enough about it
- 8 out of 10 think Christians should respond to climate change
(Tearfund and Youthscape, Burning Down the House: How the church could lose young people over climate inaction, February 2021)
Growing churches of missionary disciples
More and more people are passionate about nature and are looking for opportunities to take practical action. Mission opportunities can bring communities of all ages and backgrounds together, such as litter-picking groups, family gardening groups, nature walking groups, and repair and re-use groups. Initiatives like these may encourage growth in numbers as well as in discipleship and leadership.
Transforming our finances and structures
True sustainability requires transforming our structures and finances within an ethical framework that considers not only today’s world, but also the world of future generations. We do not possess this world, but we are stewards of God’s creation. The way we use our financial resources reflects our love for God and all creation.
Eco Church
The Eco Church award scheme, run by the Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK, records and rewards how your church cares for creation. 2026 marks ten years of Eco Church. Signing up is free, and once you do, the Eco Church dashboard will give you a survey covering five areas of church life: worship and teaching, buildings and energy, land and nature, community and global engagement, and lifestyle.
Net zero carbon
In 2020, General Synod set a target for the whole Church of England, including parishes, schools, and dioceses, to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The Church of England provides practical guidance and funding to help churches along this journey:
- The Practical Path to Net Zero Carbon for Churches sets out steps churches can take, from simple, low-cost changes to larger projects.
- The Energy Footprint Tool helps you measure your church’s energy use and carbon footprint. It opens each January for churches to enter the previous year’s energy bills. Completing it is now a requirement for churches applying for national net zero funding.
- Grants for churches include funds for smaller projects such as LED lighting, pew heaters, and insulation, as well as support for larger projects and match funding for money raised locally.
- Case studies show how other churches have cut their carbon emissions.
Why Care for Creation?
Why is looking after the planet a crucial part of our mission?
As missionary disciples living Christ’s story, we affirm, with the Five Marks of Mission, our calling “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”.
Creation Care is Mission
The fifth Mark of Mission is no add-on. We can fulfil the other four Marks of Mission only if we also pay attention to the environment.
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
If we wish “to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom”, we need to earn a hearing. Authenticity and credibility are essential. Sensitive evangelism presents the Gospel message in a way that is relevant to those being addressed.
Today’s context is an ecological crisis that threatens humanity’s future. Is it possible to proclaim “good news” without addressing this?
To teach, baptise, and nurture new believers
Once again, context is important. Does our teaching and nurturing equip Christians and the Christian community to respond to the challenges and dilemmas the ecological crisis presents? Are we able to articulate a scriptural response? Are we clear about our ethical responsibilities?
Do we “live Christ’s story” in our care for creation? Does our care for creation reflect our love for the Creator?
To respond to human need by loving service
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and concern about the future create human need. This ranges from people unable to produce a harvest or who have lost their homes to floods around the world, to those suffering from climate anxiety, mourning the loss of countryside and species, and needing to lament.
To transform unjust structures of society, and to challenge violence of every kind
The ecological issues we face today are justice issues. People living in poverty around the world are disproportionately affected, and the countries which have benefited least from the exploitation of the Earth’s resources bear a disproportionate share of the cost.
We also face a question of justice between generations, given the extent of the problems we are handing on to the next generation. We might even consider our action, or inaction, as theft from later generations. As the crisis worsens, competition for increasingly scarce resources is likely to make peace even harder to achieve.
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth
The fifth Mark of Mission is not an afterthought! Each Mark of Mission demands ecological engagement. A planet in crisis affects everything we do.
Resources for Worship and Teaching
A selection of resources and events to focus you throughout the year.
Throughout the Church Year
ChooseLife: worship and action for creation
Earth Day
Rogationtide
Environment Sunday
Churches Count on Nature
Creationtide: 1 September – 4 October
Animal Welfare Sunday
For a weekly sermon idea or reflection on the environment, based on the lectionary readings, see Preaching for God’s World.
Worship and Prayer Resources
A Time for Creation
Outdoor worship
Music
The Porter’s Gate: Climate Vigil Songs
Resound Worship: Doxecology
Books for Prayers and Liturgy
- Church of England (2020), A Time for Creation: Liturgical Resources for Creation and the Environment, London: Church House Publishing. A convenient compilation of creation-focused material drawn from Common Worship, available in print and online.
- Kelsey, Rob (2021), Praying for the Earth: Remembering the Environment in our Prayers of Intercession, Durham: Sacristy Press. Kelsey’s collects on a wide range of environmental topics can be used in suggested weekly and monthly cycles, or individually.
- Polhill, Chris (2010), A Heart for Creation: Worship Resources and Reflections on the Environment, Glasgow: Wild Goose Publications. This wonderful collection of worship resources leads from celebration, through lament, to action and transformation. There are prayers, poems, stories, reflections, and songs, all drawn from the Celtic tradition of Iona.
Study Groups
God as the author of creation is a theme found throughout Scripture. There are a variety of Bible study resources on the care of creation and the environment. These are often aimed at small groups, but can also be used for personal study.
Hope for All Creation Bible studies
Saying Yes to Life by Dr Ruth Valerio
York Courses: Caring for Creation (2020)
Tearfund Bible studies
Tenants of the King: Operation Noah study course
Plenty! Joy in Enough
More resources
Environment and climate change
Climate resilient church
Caring for God’s Acre
Advice on caring for churchyards and burial grounds for people and wildlife.