The future of Planet Earth, and the challenge and hope presented by Christian tradition to those who care about it, will be explored at “Saying Yes To Life Environment Conference”, the Diocese of York’s online study day on the 9th October 2021 in the run-up to the United Nations 26th Climate conference, COP26.
Keynote speakers Dr Ruth Valerio (Global Advocacy and Influencing Director for Tearfund and formerly Churches and Theology Director for A Rocha UK, a Christian charity that works for the protection and restoration of the natural world) and Jo Chamberlain (National Environment Officer for the Church of England) will help shape the day for churches considering their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.
The conference comes in response to a growing number of enquiries from churches seeking guidance on how to ‘become greener’, and a renewed interest among church congregations to learn more about what the Christian tradition teaches about ‘creation care’.
A choice of workshops completes the day – from advice on Electric Vehicles to an exploration of Food and Farming.
The Revd Johannes (Jan) Nobel, Green Ambassador of the Diocese of York, explains: “It is no coincidence that the very first and last chapters of the Christian Bible speak of a deep harmony between humanity and the earth. Adam, whose name means ‘made of soil, or earthling’, was tasked with tending the garden God had prepared for him. However, as we wake up to the stark facts of Climate Change, we realise we have acted carelessly, and have often ignored our responsibility of care. We fail to share the earth’s resources fairly, and we don’t shown due respect to the other species God intended to flourish alongside us.”