This Creationtide, the Diocese of Rochester is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Hopkinson as the volunteer Diocesan Environmental Officer.
This is a new role that will support the Diocese's environmental work by helping to inspire, encourage and support others to take action; helping people to understand the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises.
Speaking about his new post, Richard said that Creationtide, which begins on the 1 September, is the perfect time for him to start:
“I want to help the Church respond to the challenge of the climate crisis. We are now all aware of this and experiencing it in our region, in the form of drought and water shortages.
“In the new role, I want to help connect and support the grass roots in the diocese (those concerned about the environment) to create a culture of care and spread this through our community and as a key part of our mission show leadership by example in this.
“Together we can work with our communities and show leadership in our care: for our buildings, for the resources we consume, for all the actions that contribute to this issue.”
Richard worships at St Mary’s Church, Hadlow, where he is the PCC Secretary. He is a retired architect whose practice, which he set up and ran for 12 years, was based on work in the education sector and transformational change of often the Further Education estate.
Cat Jamieson, Net Zero Programme Manager, said, “I am delighted that Richard is taking on the role of Diocesan Environmental Officer. He brings great enthusiasm, experience and skills to be able to support and encourage us all to take small but significant steps to care for Creation".
Richard will work closely with the Diocese's Net Zero team as it continues to support parishes and schools on their journey towards a more sustainable future.
To get things started, Richard will be holding an introductory online meeting on Tuesday 3 November from 7pm - 8pm.
This meet is a chance to get to know Richard and hear some of his thoughts about building a Diocesan Creation Care Network. He would also like to get to know people across the Diocese, to understand what they are doing, and to get their thoughts on how best to develop the network.
To take part click the link to book.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to be part of this discussion and the network you can contact Richard directly: Richard.Hopkinson@rochester.anglican.org
There are also still places available on the Diocesan Eco-Conference which will take place on Saturday 19 September at Rochester Cathedral - a practical day of workshops and keynote speakers to inspire and equip. Book here
Find out more about how you can mark Creationtide. Read more