Environmental action

Creation care as Christian mission

The fifth mark of mission states that as Christians, we are ‘to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.’ This planet is in crisis. Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are threatening life on earth. The science has been clear for a long time – the world is on the brink, and it is humanity’s exploitation of the earth and its resources that have led us to this point.

But it’s not too late.

The fifth mark of mission recognises that environmental issues and the state of the earth are not just the responsibility of scientists, ecologists, conservationists or so-called ‘eco-warriors’. They are an integral part of what it means to be a Christian. As followers of Jesus, we are commanded to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves. To love God is to love all that he has made and created. And to love our neighbours as ourselves is to ensure that our actions and decisions are a force for good, not harm.

We cannot show love to God and neighbour without acting for the good of creation.

Learn more about the fifth mark of mission as part of a new online course exploring all five marks, now live on the Learning Hub.

How are we responding in the Diocese of Oxford?

Since declaring a climate emergency in March 2020, as a diocese we have committed to becoming an Eco diocese, working through the awards with an aim to achieve silver by 2026. This encompasses every aspect of creation care, thinking about our policies, training programmes, procurement, investment, building and land management, and wider engagement with churches and communities through Eco Church.

What can I do?

Responding to the climate emergency can feel complex, challenging, and often unaffordable. There are many different – sometimes conflicting – messages, but here are four ways you can respond.

Common Ground: Conversations on faith, climate and creation

Bishop Mary talks to people from our Diocese with expertise in different topics in a series of six conversational podcasts called Common Ground. Listen on Spotify (no account needed) or find them on Apple Podcasts. Those featured are Professor Chris Merchant on his work in ocean and climate observation and how faith can shape responses to environmental challenges; Farmer Henry Astor on farming well and how local can communities reconnect with the land; Dr Mike Moorcroft on climate resilient habitats, rewilding, and nature recovery alongside food production; the Revd Canon Janet Binns on the impacts of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and their resilience; broadcaster Krish Kandiah on offering sanctuary in a world shaped by conflict, displacement and climate change; and Rachael Orr on having meaningful conversations on climate change.

To be inspired further by churches, schools and people caring for creation across the diocese watch this short video and read these stories.

Several churches are hosting screenings of the People’s Emergency Briefing film from the National Emergency Briefings. A resource pack for churches doing so has been produced. Read more here. 

You can also visit the pages below for more ways your church can respond to the climate and ecological crises.