Delegates also heard from Julian Atkins, Head of the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme, who provided an update on the national commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030. Midday prayer was led by Bishop Richard Cheetham, with worship supported by Kate Flanders, Youth Catalyst Worship Lead.

Afternoon breakout sessions explored how churches can communicate effectively about climate change, advocate for creation alongside organisations such as A Rocha and Christian Aid, and strengthen environmental partnerships with local church schools.

Throughout the day, the tone remained hopeful. Parishes from the four dioceses were encouraged to spend time learning from one another and sharing environmental initiatives that have worked well in their contexts.

There was also collective recognition that reducing carbon footprints and improving environmental practice requires significant resourcing. The bishops agreed that a key follow-up action would be to make a joint case to the Church Commissioners, asking for increased funding for net zero work ahead of the next Triennium.

Bishop Jonathan said of the day: “I found today’s conference, that brings together our consortium, hugely inspiring. Not because of great statements, or huge leaps forward – though there have been many wonderful leaps forward and things shared here – but because of the commitment of so many who gathered, quietly in their parishes and communities, to take the next right step, the next step forward.

“There is, for me, an ever stronger sense that as we put Jesus at the centre of things, so we put ourselves at the centre of his concerns. He sustains all things, and to be a church that is Jesus centred and seeking the kingdom is to care for the priorities that he has. I met a clergy colleague today who leads a small church with such prayerfulness and a vision for the creation, and what he is finding is that – as they've put the needs of creation to the foreground, and the needs of the environment, and as they’ve taken steps towards a greener, more sustainable, and more just future – the other dimensions of mission are coming to play. So much to inspire.”

Rt Rev Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking said: “My prayer is that of Pope Francis – that there might be a worldwide ecological conversation, as more and more people wake up to the urgency of creation care and climate action. I am so encouraged by the commitment of our own parishes and our diocesan team to caring for the environment and learning from one another.”

Speaking about his vision for the next ten years, the Ven Richard Brand, Archdeacon of Winchester added: “I would love Christians to see creation care as a joy to be shared rather than a burden to be carried, to celebrate the joy in safeguarding the beauty of what God has created.

“I think that at a time many Western governments are retreating from the climate debate, the Church has an opportunity to step in and be a prophetic voice on the damage that is being done and what we can do to make a difference for good. Working together with young people in our church schools too, we really can be a louder voice that people listen to.”