Parishes from the Dioceses of Guildford, Portsmouth, Chichester and Winchester gathered for a joint weekend conference designed to raise hope and strengthen collaboration in caring for God’s creation.
Over 150 delegates attended, returning home inspired by real examples of churches striving towards net zero, practical guidance on securing grant funding, and a powerful address from a group of young Christians who spoke about why creation care is central to their faith.
A shared vision from diocesan leaders
The conference opened with the Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking, who led a panel discussion with the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Portsmouth; the Rt Revd Will Hazelwood, Bishop of Lewes; and the Ven. Richard Brand, Archdeacon of Winchester. Together they outlined their climate vision for the next decade and emphasised that caring for creation is deeply woven into all Five Marks of Mission.
They reflected on how conversations with global Anglican partners—many ministering in communities facing landslides, wildfires, flooding and repeated evacuations—bring the urgency of climate action into sharp focus. The panel also stressed the need for the Church to speak with a stronger, more united voice on environmental protection at a time when many Western governments are retreating from the issue.
St John’s, Stoke: A church reshaped for mission and sustainability
The conference was hosted at St John’s Church, Stoke, in the Diocese of Guildford. The church is currently undertaking ambitious work as part of its pathway to net zero. Project Manager Dave Curran explained that the team’s vision extended far beyond energy efficiency: they are reshaping their buildings for mission—enhancing worship, strengthening outreach, and better serving the local community.
Delegates toured the site to see newly installed efficient heating, solar panels, and structural improvements designed to bring more light, space and flexibility to the building.
Young leaders offering hope and challenge
A highlight of the day was hearing from a group of teenagers from Haslemere Parish, who have been instrumental in championing creation care locally. They spoke movingly about how their faith has grown through engaging with nature—whether leading litter picks, planting wildflower verges, or encouraging their church community to live more sustainably.
They urged church leaders to involve young people more fully in environmental decision-making, arguing that meaningful collaboration across generations would help churches achieve far more.
Despite acknowledging the scale of environmental damage, the young speakers offered a hopeful message: churches should not be shamed by what they haven’t yet done, but inspired by Jesus’ teachings to take the next step—reducing their carbon footprint and marking an annual day to celebrate churches’ environmental action as part of Creationtide season.
National vision and shared learning
Delegates also heard from Julian Atkins, Head of the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme, who provided an update on the national commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030. Midday prayer was led by Bishop Richard Cheetham, with worship supported by Kate Flanders, Youth Catalyst Worship Lead.
Afternoon breakout sessions explored how churches can communicate effectively about climate change, advocate for creation alongside organisations such as A Rocha and Christian Aid, and strengthen environmental partnerships with local church schools.
Hope, collaboration and a call for greater resourcing
Throughout the day, the tone remained hopeful. Parishes from the four dioceses were encouraged to spend time learning from one another and sharing environmental initiatives that have worked well in their contexts.
There was also collective recognition that reducing carbon footprints and improving environmental practice requires significant resourcing. The bishops agreed that a key follow-up action would be to make a joint case to the Church Commissioners, asking for increased funding for net zero work ahead of the next Triennium.
Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking said:
“‘My prayer is that of Pope Francis - that there might be a worldwide ecological conversation - as more and more people wake up to the urgency of creation care and climate action’.
The Ven. Richard Brand, Archdeacon of Winchester added:
“Creation care should not be seen as burdensome; there is joy in safeguarding the beauty of what God has created.”