Bishop of Kensington gets to grips with "Green Living"

The Bishop of Kensington was joined by hundreds of Christians recently for a conference promoting "green" living.

The "For Creed and Creation" conference attracted over 250 locals eager to hear more about the effect of climate change and what practical changes they could make in their own lives to help make a positive difference to the environment.

The conference, held at St Barnabas Church Kensington, was co-hosted by the director of the Conservation Foundation, David Shreeve, and supported by DEFRA.

It follows the "For Creed and Creation" book which was published earlier in the year in collaboration with the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, as an environmental guide for churches in the capital on how to become more environmentally friendly.

The guide includes tips for churches on how to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

The Bishop of Kensington said after the conference: "The variety of presentations at this conference has provided an exceptional insight into the complex issue of climate change. Not only have we gained a greater understanding of the issue from academic, environmental and theological perspectives, but we have also learnt what practical solutions we can undertake to make a real difference.

"I am delighted by the fact that a phenomenal number of local parishioners from the Kensington area have joined with us today to ensure that the Church plays an active role in tackling climate change head on."

Speakers at the conference included Clare Foster, the Church of England's advisor on the environment, who outlined the measures that have been put into place by the church in London to address key environmental issues.

Jo Rathbone from Eco-congregation and Stewart Henchie from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew offered advice on what "green" changes Christians could make in their homes, churches, gardens and churchyards.