This conference will look at the role of the church, as society seeks to address climate change, peak oil, food security, biodiversity loss, and many other issues.

Questions such as ‘How can local churches be at the heart of sustainable communities?’ will be discussed by Keynote Speakers Professor Tim Gorringe (Exeter University), Dr Molly Scott Cato (Roehampton University) and Dr Ruth Valerio (Churches and Theology Director for A Rocha UK).

The afternoon session will include seminars led by key environmentalists:
1.  Big Society or Little Community: Does Localism Work? – Dr Jonathan Ingleby (Redcliffe College)
2.  How can Local Churches be at the Heart of Sustainable Communities? – Colin Bell (Faraday Insitute)
3.  Caring for the Environment: A Common Duty for all Faith Groups – Kailean Khongsai (A Rocha UK)
4.  What do Environmental Projects Contribute to the Church’s Mission? – Bryony Trill (co-author God’s Green Book)
5.  Hilfield Friary: A Franciscan Model – Brother Hugh and Brother Samuel (Hilfield Friary)

As churches begin to recognise the environment as an important issue, the conference explores what faith communities can learn from secular community movements, what these movements can learn from the church, and if there is a specific role for church communities in our present environmental situation.

‘All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need’ (Acts 2:44).
A Rocha UK’s CEO Mairi Johnstone says:
‘The issue of church and the environment is one that is becoming more urgent and more relevant. A Rocha UK seeks to inspire and equip the church to care for God’s earth, but also to make sure that the issues around the environment and our responsibilities as individual Christians are discussed and acted upon. This conference offers churches and individuals a great opportunity to both learn and share, building on the foundation of sound theology.’

‘Sustainable Communities: What has the Church got to Offer?’ is a joint event organised by A Rocha UK, Redcliffe College and The John Ray Initiative.

This Environment Day Conference will be at Redcliffe College on 1 March 2014 from 9.15am  to 4.30pm.

The cost of the day is £42 per person.  This includes a two-course, hot buffet lunch and refreshments. The deadline for bookings is 25 February 2014.

To book, please contact: events@redcliffe.org or download a booking form from: www.redcliffe.org/environment-conference