Christians Aware Summer School: 'Care for Creation by the World Faiths'

Parcevall Hall

The Christians Aware 2024 Summer School will be held at Parcevall Hall in the Yorkshire Dales 21-26 July. This year, it aims to raise awareness of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and of the responsibility people of faith have for its flourishing. "It is the whole range of biodiversity that we must care for - the whole thing, rather than one or two stars," says David Attenborough.

Biodiversity is declining rapidly. Since 1970, there has been almost a 70% decline in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians in the UK. It is now thought that one million animal and plant species - almost a quarter of the global total - are threatened with extinction. Threats include climate change, pollution, habitat loss, invasive species and over-exploitation.

Parcevall Hall has beautiful gardens and surrounding countryside where it will be easy to appreciate God's creation at its best. Participants will meet local farmers and visit a Quaker inspired market garden. There will be a visit to Embsay, where the parish church has recently won a gold eco award.

The talks and discussions during the week will include Creation theology, Loving the planet, 'Laudato Si', and Care for creation by the world faiths. Some of our speakers will be from the world faiths and they will offer their insight into care for creation from their particular perspective. The week will include daily worship, Bible study, a presentation on art and faith and practical opportunities.

Taking part:

Barbara Butler - Executive Secretary, Christians Aware

Ali Bullivent - Musician

Judith Allinson - Consultant Botanist

Ellen Teague - Journalist with the Columbans

Stephen Ramsden - Farmer in Upper Nidderdale

Jane Skinner - Parish Priest in Devon

Jon Swales - Head of the Lighthouse Community in Leeds,

Theologian Jayaraj Nambiar - Hindu Resource Person

Stephen Skinner - Parish Priest in Devon Members of St. Mary's Church Embsay

Chris Hart - Quaker Member of Growing with Grace, an Organic Vegetable Farm

Sita Brand - Founder of 'Settle Stories'

Olwen Crookall-Greening - Ordained Member of the Throssel Hole Buddhist Community

Christians Aware is an international and ecumenical network. Its main aim is to develop multi-cultural understanding and friendship locally, nationally and internationally, in a spirit of sharing. Thus, new energy is generated for action towards human development and wholeness, through conferences, work-camps, international exchanges, books and other publications, including the magazine.

For more information see: www.christiansaware.co.uk/