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.
Sara Emmett and Dan Wills from the Bath and Wells environment team both attended the event. They said: “It was a fantastic conference with great speakers and informative breakout sessions. 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. We've got lots of great ideas to consider as we look to support all our parishes on their green journey as they seek to live out our Christian mission to care for creation.”
Speakers at the event 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.
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.”
He also 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.”