EcoHub
Our EcoHub is a collection of free searchable resources to enable everyone to respond to the climate and ecological crisis. Resources are organised thematically by Eco Church categories, or you can use the search function to find anything you might need - from small group courses to guidance on heat pumps, from training videos about climate change to churchyard management plans. There are resources for schools, parishes and individuals.
Deanery Environmental Leads
Our deanery leads are here to support you on your creation care journey. They offer advice and experience on Eco Church, speak to Deanery Synods on issues that matter to you, and represent your views and concerns to the diocese.
We are looking for people with a passion and enthusiasm for environmental issues, and a heart for supporting others on this journey, to become local Deanery Environmental Leads. Watch and find out more. You can also see who is your Deanery Environmental Lead.
Learning and training
If you want to deepen or broaden your knowledge on creation care theology, climate science or communications, we have something to offer.
Learning hub (self-guided)
The diocesan learning hub currently has a number of courses available that cover creation and creation care:
- 'Called to Wonder' - a series of short videos from Christian scientists, zoologists, ecologists and more, on how they find awe and wonder in God's creation, and how this links to their journey of faith.
- 'Five Marks of Mission' - a longer course that explores each mark of mission and how we can respond.
- 'The Story of Scripture' - includes a module on the theme of creation in the Bible.
Carbon confidence in an hour (either delivered or self-guided)
A session that can be delivered online or in-person, or self-guided using our video. Visit our net zero pages for more information.
Environmental theology (full day in-person)
A full-day, held in March each year with Martin and Margot Hodson, delving into Scripture to explore Environmental theology, climate science, and our practical response. Contact us to express interest in attending.
Creation care events
Sign up to our newsletter (below) to find out forthcoming learning and training events, ranging from online net zero forums and informal networking opportunities, to full days covering net zero carbon, implementing energy audits, or celebrating Eco Church stories.
Download this poster to share with your parish or deanery, listing our training and learning opportunities.
Greenshoots network
A network for all those helping their church take environmental action, to connect with others for mutual support and information sharing.
We have monthly online get-togethers and occasional on-site gatherings - have a look at what we get up to. We also have a Facebook group to share ideas and news.
Care for Creation newsletter
Our monthly newsletter contains resources, stories, information, updates, news, and events on everything related to caring for creation in the Diocese of Oxford and beyond.
Subscribe to our Care for Creation newsletter
Church of England resources
The national church has a range of resources, webinars, case studies, and guidance on its website, which the Diocese of Oxford is contributing to and supporting. You can sign up to the newsletter and join the environment briefings by emailing us.
Events
A range of events, online and in person, that may be of interest (updated monthly)...
Thursday 29 May, 6-7pm Preparing to Meet your Politician on Climate and Nature issues
A Hope for the Future training webinar. Details and registration.
Sunday 1 June 12.45pm Blessing of the church hedge St Mary's Bloxham
Monday 2 June 4pm Counting on Nature: How should we value nature in our food systems?
Attend this TABLE event either at the Oxford Martin School or online. A panel of speakers will use the explainer Making Nature Count as a starting point to explore the implications of different approaches. Details and registration.
Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, or Monday 16 June Act Now, Change Forever Training: How to Connect With Your MP A Hope for the Future interactive training webinar. Details of date options and registration.
Wednesday 4 - Saturday 7 June Right Here, Right Now - Global Climate Summit
University of Oxford and online. A global summit on climate change and human rights in partnership with UN Human Rights, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, the International Universities Climate Alliance and co-host universities across the world. Details and Registration.
Thursday 5, Tuesday 17, or Wednesday 18 June Act Now, Change Forever: Level Up Your Strategy for Political Change A Hope for the Future interactive training webinar. Details of date options and registration.
Thursday 5 June Spotting false climate solutions - Faith for the Climate GBGW webinar 1 Registration
Wednesday 11 June How to identify real climate solutions - Faith for the Climate GBGW webinar 2 Registration
Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 June Churches Count on Nature and Great Big Green Week events
CCoN webinars on five topics - churchyard management, Eco Church action, churchyard case studies, amphibians and reptiles, and accessibility advice.
Map of CCoN events, Map of GBGW events.
Saturday 7 June, 10am-4pm Benson Great Big Green Week event
Wildlife surveys and family activities all day plus a "Moth Breakfast" at 9.30am. Hosted by St Helen's Church, Benson Details
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June, 2pm-5.30pm All God's Creatures, Great and Small
Flower festival with local crafts display. St Mary's Church, Wootton
Wednesday 11 June, 6.30pm Bees and Us a talk by Master Beekeeper Margaret Murdin
St Mary's Church, Bloxham, OX15 4ES. Free entry donations invited
Thursday 19 June, midday-1pm Eco Church Prayer Forum
Hosted by A Rocha UK Registration
Saturday 21 June, 2-5pm Creation Care Conversations
St Edburg's Church, Bicester. For churches looking to share ideas, connect with other environmental groups, and find support on their Eco Church journey. Details and registration. (Repeat events in Buckinghamshire 13 September and Berkshire 18 October.)
Wednesday 25 June, 1pm Heating our churches 1: Effective heating and Heat pumps
A Diocese of Portsmouth webinar with church energy specialist Matt Fulford to consider what heating system might be best for your church. See details of this and more up-coming webinars.
Thursday 26 June, 7.30-9pm Replacement or Renewal of creation? It’s not the end of the world!
John Ray Initiative webinar with Dr Grace Milton. Details and registration.
Saturday 28 June, 10.30am - 5pm Chinnor Churches Go Wild 18th Anniversary Celebration
St Andrew’s Church Chinnor. Stalls and speakers including Bob Sluka - A Rocha International, Hannah Mann and Maranda St John Nicolle - Diocese of Oxford, Dave Furze - St Peter’s, Quarrendon, and Andy Lester - A Rocha UK. Provisional programme.
See also the BBOWT Community Groups network online events listings.
Wednesday 9 July Act Now Change Forever in Westminster
The Climate Coalition is oganising a mass lobby of MPs in London with three main asks: 1) Deliver vital funding to communities hit hardest by climate change here and around the world. 2) Cut bills, back UK jobs, and secure a greener fairer future for all. 3) Restore nature to create a safer, healthier future. Details, registration and training options.
Tuesday 30 September –Thursday 2 October Hazelnut Community Landscapes Conference at Ashburnham Place
Aiming to be an unforgettable in-person gathering that creatively explores the intersection of Creator, Creation and Community in a time of ecological transformation. Details and booking. Book ahead as only 20 places remained at the end of May.