"We will explore what it means as followers of Christ to live responsibly with our environment" - Presbyterian conference sees church tackle climate change and man's caretaking of God's creation

Over 150 people will come together tomorrow for an event in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Belfast Assembly Buildings titled ‘God’s world; Our responsibility?’.

The conference comes a week after an academic claimed that less than half of the faith care about climate change – something that Presbyterians pushed back on, pointing to their own research that last year indicated a substantial majority are concerned or very concerned about the issue, while over two-thirds believe the actions of humanity contribute to it.

Tomorrow’s conference was spurred by that research, which the church says affirms the bulk of Presbyterians in Ireland believe caring for creation is an intrinsic aspect of Christian faith, while the church is called to act responsibly in its attitudes and actions toward creation.

Michael Jemphrey, the church’s Agent for Stewardship of Creation, said he is encouraged by the numbers attending this weekend’s event.

He said: “We chose the title of the conference with care – ‘God’s world; Our responsibility?’ is not just a rhetorical question, it is an open invitation for Christians to engage with a vital issue. It challenges us to reflect deeply, especially in light of Psalm 24:1, ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it’.

“From the very beginning God created humanity in His image and entrusted us with the responsibility to care for His creation. Yet as creation itself now groans, we are left asking, how can we faithfully live out this calling as disciples of Jesus Christ?”

The conference, he added, is designed to “help us reflect on God’s world, the place He has given us within it, and the role He has called us to play”.

It’s keynote speaker, theologian and author Rev Dr Chris Wright, will guide attendees through key moments in the biblical story from creation in Genesis to the vision of new creation in Revelation.

His speech, said Michael, will “reveal how our responsibility for the earth in Genesis connects with proclaiming the good news of Jesus and living out love for our neighbour”.

The conference is to provide both theological grounding and relevant scientific backgrounds, with workshops to address practical themes such as eco-anxiety, food sustainability, and stories of congregations who are making tangible responses.

Reflecting on the forthcoming event, global development convener Rev Richard Kerr said it’s “vital for the church to listen deeply and learn from what God is saying through His word, and from each other”.

He added: “The conference will explore what it means, as followers of Christ, to live responsibly and hopefully, in relationship with our environment, with others and our creator.”

Keynote speaker Rev Wright added: “People will have different views of the practical implications of the biblical theology of creation, and what should be the nature and the limits of our responsibility to it, both as humans and as Christians – and whether and where creation care fits into our understanding of the gospel and gospel-centred mission.

“That’s what we will wrestle with on the day. I hope people will come along and join the discussion, with open bibles and open minds.”