Focus on faith, food and justice

Britain’s leading ordination training centre is to host key talks on the environment this month (April) – led by A Rocha UK’s Churches And Theology Director Dr Ruth Valerio and her husband Greg (pictured together).

Ripon College near Oxford is the venue for ‘Contemplative Activists: living in God’s heart for justice today’. The one-day conference is part of the Certificate in Rural and Environmental Studies which is accredited by the college – but anyone with an interest in the subject is welcome to attend.

HUNGRY WORLD

Ruth will speak on ‘Food and faith – eating well in a hungry world’. Greg will talk about ‘Putting down roots – earthing ourselves in the spiritual life’ and ‘Making trouble – fighting for justice in the jewellery industry’. Although relevant to those on the CRES course, the talks will also help others interested in justice, the environment and spirituality.

Ruth is well known as a champion for integrating creation into the understanding and practice of the Gospel. Greg is a Fairtrade jeweller with a background in human rights and environmental advocacy. He pioneered Fairtrade gold, and is a past winner of the Observer Ethical Awards. At present he is developing the idea of ethical gemstones while setting up Columba’s Barn, an ecumenical retreat and prayer centre.

A Rocha UK is a partner behind the two-year CRES course, which examines rural and environmental issues from a Christian viewpoint. The certificate is for those with a concern for the environment and countryside. The course’s uniqueness lies in its blend of the academic expertise of The John Ray Initiative (JRI) with the practical experience of A Rocha UK. A Rocha UK Chair Steve Hughes and Churches Co-ordinator Simon Brown are both on the CRES steering group.

RURAL THEOLOGY

Teachers in school, college or church will find CRES useful, as it provides background knowledge and materials on rural and environmental concerns. Environmental practitioners can benefit, as the course connects the work situation to Christian faith and commitment. Under the guidance of local tutors, students work through such modules as –Farming and Food, Globalisation and Faith, The Church in the Countryside, Rural and Environmental Theology, and An Introduction to Biodiversity.

The CRES conference will run from 10am-4pm on 25th April at Ripon College, Cuddesdon – which is just seven miles south-east of Oxford city centre. For booking details and a programme download, click here.