Bishop of Kensington holds Environmental Conference

19/09/07

The Bishop of Kensington hosted a special conference on Saturday 15 September that focused on the subject of climate change and the Church's response to the issue.

The conference, co-hosted with David Shreeve, Director of the Conservation Foundation and supported by DEFRA, took place at St Barnabas Church Kensington and aimed to outline the effects of climate change, as well as providing practical solutions to local parishioners in what they can do to make a difference to their environment. The conference attracted over 250 local attendees.

Entitled "For Creed and Creation" the conference is part of a series, which is taking place across the Church of England and follows on from the launch of a book earlier this year, of the same name, which provides practical guidance for churches and parishioners who wish to implement environmental initiatives.

With St Barnabas Church already taking steps to become carbon neutral, it provided the perfect venue for the conference's first speaker, The Reverend Professor Ian James from the University of Reading to explore the impact climate change is having on humanity.

Professor James was followed by Ruth Davis, Head of Climate Change at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds who discussed the impact of climate change on biodiversity, whilst the Bishop of Thetford, The Right Reverend David Atkinson, provided a theological perspective on the issue.

The morning session was concluded by David Shreeve and Clare Foster, the Church of England's advisors on the environment, outlining the steps that the Church is currently taking within the London area to address key environmental issues.

With a lively Q&A session taking place before lunch, attendees were then treated to practical advice in the afternoon by Jo Rathbone from Eco-congregation and Stewart Henchie from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew regarding what "green" changes they could make in their homes, churches, gardens and churchyards.

The Bishop of Kensington provided all attendees with a special bag made from fair trade organic cotton, full of information on how to practically follow-up on the ideas and perspectives offered at the conference.

The Bishop of Kensington said:

"The variety of presentations at this conference has provided an exceptional insight into the complex issue of climate change. Not only have we gained a greater understanding of the issue from academic, environmental and theological perspectives, but we have also learnt what practical solutions we can undertake to make a real difference.

"I am delighted by the fact that a phenomenal number of local parishioners from the Kensington area have joined with us today to ensure that the Church plays an active role in tackling climate change head on"