Hope for the Planet Conference
    10th June 2006             

In the spite of the heat and England v Paraguay, Somerset Churches Together’s environment conference at The Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar attracted over 120 delegates.  The aim was to explore how Christian faith gives energy and vision to the task of caring for the planet.  Children from St Andrew’s C of E Primary School in Bath led the opening worship.

Notes from Revd Dave Bookless’s introductory talk in PowerPoint format

Part 1 - The need for Hope
Part 2 - Living in Hope

N.B. Use 'Page Down' to scroll through presentations

The Rt Revd Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton, opened the conference.  Keynote speakers were Revd Dave Bookless, Director of the UK branch of A Rocha, the international Christian conservation charity, and Jo Rathbone, National Co-ordinator of the Eco-Congregation Project.  In his talk, Dave Bookless quoted Martin Luther:  ‘If Jesus was coming tomorrow, I would plant a tree today’.

 A range of interest groups and information stands reinforced the keynote speakers’ message in many practical ways.  There was advice and encouragement on tackling the challenge and opportunities facing individual Christians and church communities.  Topics ranged from ethics to renewable energy and from fair trade to climate change and recycling.