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.

The 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.

Diocesan officers David Cain and Matt Lockwood attended the event, along with Steve Collins, NZC Programmer Manager for Portsmouth, Guildford and Chichester. Matt said: “It was a great conference with inspiring speakers and informative breakout sessions, and 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.”

The 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.

Our own diocesan officers also contributed to the conference. During an Inspiration Panel on the first day of the conference, net zero carbon support officer Matt Lockwood shared some of the key strategies that helped our diocese achieve a 100% submission rate for the Energy Footprint Tool last year, and Steve Collins talked about how the three dioceses of Portsmouth, Guildford and Chichester were working collaboratively to help parishes nurture a theology of creation care and work towards achieving net zero carbon.

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.”