York: major ecumenical climate change service & workshops

The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough, The Rt Rev Terence Drainey and The Methodist Chair of the York & Hull District, the Rev Stephen Burgess will lead a special service at York Minster on Saturday, 21 April, to explore the Christian response to climate change. After the service, leading scientific and development organisations, will be presenting a series of workshops at York St John University.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: “The natural world is a gift from God to enjoy; but we are also called to join with God in sustaining and caring for it. At the service held in the beautiful building of York Minster, we must continue to focus on how we as the people of God are fulfilling that call of God to be stewards of all the good things He has given to us, especially Planet Earth. ”

The Bishop of Middlesbrough, The Rt Rev Terence Drainey commented: “It is so easy to become overwhelmed by facts, figures and experts saying one thing and another. I prefer to keep it simple. In the beginning we were appointed as stewards of creation. Humankind might well be at the pinnacle of creation, but we believe that all creation comes from the hands of the Creator and so is of value. It is our job to respect the wonder of creation and to work with the Creator to ensure that we pass this incalculable gift on to the next generations.”

The Reverend Stephen Burgess, Chair of the York and Hull Methodist District said: “Along with many other Christians, the Methodist Church is committed to responsible ‘Christian Discipleship in the Context of Climate Change’. The presentations of the My Mission Catholic Youth Team, Tearfund and Operation Noah, as part of this special service, and the workshops that follow will all help to focus people’s thinking. We all have a moral responsibility to take action and become more effective stewards.”

The service at York Minster and workshops at York St John University are both free to attend, registration is required at www.concc.wikispaces.com for the afternoon workshops.

The workshops include presentations from CAFOD, Christian Aid, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Tearfund, Quaker Living Witness, The John Ray Initiative, Operation Noah and the Christian Census on Climate Change.

‘Mission Earth’ comes after a unique nationwide census launched by a group from the Diocese of Middlesbrough last November. The Christian Census on Climate Change was designed to open debate and gather opinions from Christians from all denominations on whether climate change is of little importance and untouchable, or something to be tackled from both scientific and moral perspectives. Results of the Census will be discussed during the afternoon programme of workshops.

Come and join the York Minster Service at 10am-11.30am and York St John University Workshops at 12-4pm on Saturday 21 April 2012

For more information contact; Emma Casson Mission Earth Event Administrator 07879372999 Email: CConClimateChange@gmail.com