Diocese of Portsmouth
The Church of England

Events

Hope for a cherished and thriving earth – NZC Conference 2026

Start date
17 Jan 2026, 10 a.m.
End date
17 Jan 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Location
St John's Stoke Church, Stoke Road, Guildford GU1 1HB
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An inspirational, interactive and practical day conference to help you on your NZC journey.

  • Saturday 17th January
  • 10am to 4:30pm
  • St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford
  • £5 per person

Our annual Net Zero Carbon Conference takes place on Saturday 17th January, 2026, at St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford. The conference is hosted by the Church of England dioceses of Portsmouth, Guildford, Chichester and Winchester.

Keynote sessions include a theological discussion and insights from our diocesan bishops, a review of the national progress made so far and the developing pathway forward, and an opportunity to hear from young people on their hopes and ambitions for the care of the planet. There will be breakout sessions that will look at creation care communications, advocating on climate change, working with schools, and a tour of the host church’s extensive work towards achieving net zero carbon. There will also be various environment- and climate change-focused exhibitors sharing their resources and experience.

Contributors include:

  • Rt Rev Paul Davis, Bishop of Dorking
  • Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Portsmouth
  • Rt Rev Will Hazelwood, Bishop of Lewes
  • Julian Atkins, Net Zero Programme Director for the Church of England
  • Steve Collins, NZC Programme Manager for Guildford, Portsmouth & Chichester
  • Dave Curran, St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford
  • Brian Kilkelly, Net Zero Carbon Project Officer – Schools, Diocese of Chichester
  • Matt Lockwood, Comms & NZC Support, Diocese of Portsmouth
  • Martin Carr, Net Zero Project & Engagement Lead, Diocese of Guildford

Agenda

  • 10am – Arrival and coffee
  • 10:30am – Welcome
  • 10:40am – Bishops’ Roundtable
  • 11:10am – The Voice of the Next Generation
  • 11:30am – Julian Atkins
  • 12pm – Interactive Group Discussions
  • 12:20pm – St John’s Stoke case study
  • 12:45pm – Midday prayer
  • 1pm – Lunch
  • 1:40pm – Breakout session #1

    Options:

    • Tour around the St John’s Stoke buildings
    • Working with your CofE School
    • Communicating effectively on Climate Change
    • Advocating on Climate Change
  • 2.20pm – Breakout session #2 (same options as #1)
  • 3pm – Tea and Coffee
  • 3:10pm – Group Activity
  • 3:30pm – Support from the Diocesan and National NZC programmes
  • 3:45pm – Panel (Q&A)
  • 4:15pm – Final Words and Close
Click here to register
Download an A4 poster to promote the conference in your church

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