It can sometimes feel as if building a more environmentally sustainable world is a minority interest. Research, however, shows that this is not the case. A clear majority of people worldwide want stronger action to build this world. A new exciting initiative, the People's Emergency Briefing Film, aims to bring people together across the whole of the UK to discuss the climate and nature crises and their views with politicians and other leaders.
On this page
Living Waters of Hope and Healing - September 30th 2026
Eco Church 10th Anniversary Ecumenical Service
Chelmsford Cathedral
2026 is a milestone year as A Rocha UK celebrates 25 years since its inception and 10 years of Eco Church! This event is one of four special Eco Church anniversary services in England and Wales. It will be a special time of praise and thanksgiving, as we remember God’s goodness and all that has been achieved over the last 10 years.
You are warmly invited to join us for this event (5.15pm Evensong, 6pm Refreshments and stalls, 6.30pm Panel Q&A, 8pm End) to give thanks for all that has been, and look forward, with hope, to all that lies ahead.Everyone is welcome!
Come for all or part of the evening - it’s free and we’ll provide refreshments, but you will need to book to help us with catering: tinyurl.com/4k4uut24
The Cathedral will also be hosting the stunning Threads Through Creation by Jacqui Parkinson Textile Artist, so make sure you have enough time to enjoy this, either before or after our event. As part of the celebration we invite you to share your church’s creative response to God’s creation. In keeping with the Threads of Creation tapestries, which will be on display, we invite you to bring along embroidery, cross-stitch or other pieces to add to our exhibition on the day. This might be an ambitious project created with your church or as simple as a leaf crafted with fabric scraps!
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, will preside over the service and chair the panel discussion. The Revd Sandra Eldridge, Diocesan Environmental Training Lead will be preaching. Also participating will be Helen Stephens, Church Relations Manager, Eco Church.
Panel members
Prof Jules Pretty OBE, Professor of Environment & Society, University of Essex, author and podcaster
Revd Jules Middleston Parish priest at St Edward's Church, Burgess Hill (gold Eco Church), and author
Jo Herbert-James Head of Engagement, A Rocha UK
Lola Fayokun Climate activist, member of UK Youth Climate Coalition
People's Emergency Briefing film screenings
A new and exciting initiative is sweeping the country that aims to inform people about the climate and nature crisis while at the same time giving them the opportunity to talk and respond.
The 50-minute film, The People's Emergency Briefing, premiered in April 2026, presents the latest evidene on the climate crisis in an accessible fpormat and features interviews with leading experts with reaction by members of the puvlic and celebrities. Organisers are encouraged to invite MPs, mayors, local councillors and other local leaders. The film is followed by a facilitated and friendly discussion on the implications and opportunities for the community.
Have a look at this leaflet to find a screening near you or go to the screening map (where new showings are being added every day)
Could your church host a screening? There is lots of information, guidance, and resources here and the Church of England has also produced its own resources here.
Carbon Literacy Courses
These all-day courses, led by the Diocesan Environmental Training Officer, Revd Sandra Eldridge, are designed to help attendees to better understand carbon footprints of individuals, organisations and countries and what action can be taken at many different levels to reduce them. They are run as part of the Carbon Literacy Project. Courses are are free, but attendees need to bring their own lunch. Minimum number of attendees = 8. If your church would like to run a course or you have any queries, please contact Sandra on: Sandra: seldridge@chelmsford.anglican.org
Find out about the Carbon Literacy Project Home - The Carbon Literacy Project
Bishop of Chelmsford's Lent Appeal 2026
Our Diocese is linked with five Dioceses in an region of Kenya called Mount Kenya East. Communities across this region are facing the harsh realities of the climate crisis. Years of recurring drought have devastated harvests, depleted natural resources and pushed families into increased hardship. In response to these challenges, Anglican Development Services of Mount Kenya East (ADSMKE) is leading inspiring, community‑driven work to restore the environment and strengthen livelihoods.
Funds raised through the Bishop of Chelmsford’s Lent Appeal this year will enable ADSMKE to expand vital climate and conservation projects, supporting individuals, families and communities in great need.
You can find more information about the Lent Appeal here.
Environment Advent Calendar 2025
Our 2025 Environment Advent Calendar contained uplifting and inspiring stories from individuals, churches, worshipping and local communities, and schools highlighting how they are placing care for God’s creation at the heart of their mission.
Season of Creation 2025 - Peace with Creation
During the Season of Creation 2025 there were a number of events in the Diocese. You can find out more about these on our dedicated webpage.
On October 6th we held a celebration event at Chelmsford Cathedral. A Service of Celebration started at 5.15pm. Our lead Bishop for the Environment, Rt Rev'd Roger Morris, spoke, and students from Becket Keys Church of England Secondary School led much of the service, including sharing with us some of what they are doing in their schools to care for creation, and a beautifully inspirational song.
To finish, there was a speaker panel chaired by Rev'd Sandra Eldridge, Diocesan Environmental Officer, with panel members: Gideon Commey, Eco Theologian and Founder of Ghana Youth Environmental Movement and Wild ecovillage, Rev'd. Vanessa Elston, Vicar of St. Barnabas, Southfields, Chaplain to the Bishop of Kingston, and pioneer for climate spirituality and action, Paul Powlesland, Founder of Lawyers for Nature, barrister and river guardian, campaigner for the rights of nature.
Theology and Action for God's Creation - June 17th in Chelmsford Cathedral
Rev. Dave Bookless, Director of Theology at A Rocha International and author of "Planetwise” and "God Doesn't do Waste" and Jo Herbert-James, Head of Engagement at A Rocha UK, spoke about the connection between faith and action for God's creation. There was also a chance to find out about and celebrate what individuals and churches across the Diocese are doing, including some of our gold, silver and bronze Eco Churches. The evening began with an environment themed service at 5.15pm.
Watch the speakers and Q&A session
Environment Advent Calendar 2024
This year for the first time the Diocese produced an Environment Advent Calendar.
It was full of inspirational stories (and pictures!) about what's had happened in the Diocese during the year. You can find out how one church reduced their energy use by 40% for £300, what you can do to support bees and butterflies, how churches are using their churchyards for the community, what motivates some people to take to the streets, how much a repair cafe can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, how toilets are an important part of our Eco journey, the amazing work schools are doing, why one Essex cricket club is featured, what churches are doing about solar panels and heating systems, how to make your own Christmas tree, how the Virgin Mary fits in, and much much more!
29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) 11 to 24 November 2024.
A summary of COP29 achievements from the UN
A reflection from the Renewable Energy Institute on what COP29 achieved
Our lead Bishop for the Environment, Rt Rev'd Bishop Roger shared a message and prayer for COP29:
Season of Creation 2024 - To Hope and Act with Creation
Taking action, especially on such crucial issues as caring for our common home, generates hope in our communities. When we act, we are not only doing something positive for creation, but we also inspire others to follow suit.
During the Season of Creation 2024 there were a number of events in the Diocese. You can find out more about these on our dedicated webpage.
On October 2nd we held a celebration day at Chelmsford Cathedral. This started with a reflective retreat on "Hope in a time of Climate Crisis," followed by stalls and refreshments. A Service of Celebration started at 5.15pm. Our lead Bishop for the Environment, Rt Rev'd Roger Morris, spoke, and two primary schools, Colne Engaine and St Andrew's Halstead shared with us some of what they are doing in their schools to care for creation, and sang a beautiful song: "I am the Earth."
To finish, there was a Q&A panel chaired by Rev'd Sandra Eldridge, Diocesan Environmental Officer, with panel members: Mark Smith from Love Your Chelmsford, Melanie Nazareth, Churches Engagement Officer for Green Christian, Steven Green, Essex Organic Farmer, sensitive to the environment.
Watch the address by Bishop Roger and the Q&A panel below:
28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) November 30 to December 12, 2023.
The main achievements of COP28 are summarised here.
Listen to our Lead Bishop for the environment, the Rt Rev'd Roger Morris, reflecting on COP28:
Season of Creation and Black History Month 2023
Climate Justice is Racial Justice
In September and October 2023 we organised a series of events covering the Season of Creation and Black History Month. Picking up on the Season of Creation theme "Let Justice and Peace Flow" we explored the relationship between climate justice and racial justice under the umbrella "Climate Justice is Racial Justice."
The Programme for Season of Creation and Black History Month 2023
The programme (see below) developed from thinking about the effects of climate change which are being disproportionately felt by those who have done the least to cause this change and have the least resources to deal with what they are facing. In fact, the damage falls mostly on people of colour.
In three events during the Season of Creation we heard first-hand about the effects of climate change in different parts of the world and in a fourth event, Jeremy Williams, a writer and campaigner, the author of "Climate Change is Racist: Race, Privilege and the Struggle for Climate Justice", and the editor of the Christian Climate Action book "Time to Act", drew together what we had heard, and talked about causes and consequences. During Black History Month we explored the relationship between climate justice and racial justice further through poetry, a day-long study day, and a conversation about what we do next. Our programme is below and you can find recordings of all the sessions on our dedicated "Climate Justice is Racial Justice" page.
Resources
These are resources that we recommended alongside the Season of Creation and Black History Month events in 2023.
Podcasts:
Dr Selina Stone. Fire, Fire, Fire. Black faith and the Environmental Crisis.
In this podcast Dr Stone talks about climate change and the human actions that are leading to recent climate chaos. She says: I explore some of the beliefs which can prevent us from taking our responsibility for creation care seriously. And I discuss how caring for the earth ties in to our wider concerns for social justice.
Videos:
Bishop Qampicha of Marsabit Diocese in Kenya talks to Sandra Eldridge, Chelmsford Diocese Enviromental Officer about The Effects of Climate Change in the Diocese of Marsabit.
This Al Jazeera video describes long term effects of the 2022 Pakistan floods.
These two Christian Aid Videos focus on the links between climate justice and racial justice. The first video is very short. Robert Beckford and others talk about these link. The second video is longer; a panel talk about why racial justice is at the heart of climate justice.
Books and articles:
Jeremy Williams. Climate Change is Racist: Race, Privilege and the Struggle for Climate Justice. Icon Books Ltd. 2021. In this book, the author takes us on a short, urgent journey across the globe from Kenya to India, the USA to Australia - to understand how climate justice and racial justice overlap.
Websites:
