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.
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.
Phil Leigh, Net Zero Carbon 2030 Programme Lead and Diocesan Environmental Officer from the Diocese of Liverpool attended the event. They said: “What a fantastic conference with informed and inspiring speakers and informative breakout sessions. The event 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 was a great to hear how other dioceses are tackling these challenges whilst sharing achievements from around our diocese too. Lots of great ideas were shared and will now be worked through to add to our NZC2030 programme in order to support our local parishes in their journey.”
Speakers included Bishop Graham Usher, the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for the Environment; Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation and Impact, British Antarctic Survey; Rev 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.”
You can learn more about the fantastic work Phil and the team have been doing here.
