Churches across the Diocese are making the most of a new opportunity to engage their communities with one of the most urgent issues of our time.
The People’s Emergency Briefing is a powerful new film, released in early April, bringing together leading expert insights on the climate and nature crisis into a single, accessible narrative.
Designed for community screening, the film presents the national implications of climate and nature breakdown alongside credible, hopeful responses. It combines expert contributions with real audience reactions, helping viewers not only understand the scale of the crisis, but also begin conversations about how to respond together.
The aim is simple but significant: to help create a tipping point towards the urgent, collective response that is now needed.
Why churches?
Churches have always played a vital role in times of national challenge, offering care, refuge and a moral voice. The climate crisis is no different. The Church is called to be a prophetic voice and, leading by example, show that a different way of living is possible.
As trusted community spaces, churches are uniquely placed to host screenings and is a chance to welcome those who may not usually cross the threshold to create space for meaningful dialogue.
Where to watch The People’s Emergency Briefing in the Diocese:
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St Anne’s Eastville - 6th of June – Time TBC
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St Mary Redcliffe - 8th June - 6.30 pm
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St Mary Olveston – 9th June - 4.30pm
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St Barnabas Knowle - 25th June - 6.30 pm
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Cotham Parish Church - Date TBC
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St John the Baptist – Colerne - Date TBC
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Saint Stephen's Church, Bristol City Centre – Date TBC
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St Andrew Wanborough – Date TBC
People’s Emergency Briefing at Christ Church Swindon
The People’s Emergency Briefing was shown at Christ Church, Swindon, on Monday, 27 April.
Seventy-five members of the public attended the showing, which was organised by Christ Church Eco group. Christ Church also recently gained the A Rocha Gold Award for environmental stewardship and caring for creation.
The event was supported by members from several church Eco groups in the Swindon area, and by Swindon Climate Action Network, the Religious Society of Friends and the Wiltshire Climate Alliance.
After the film, those attending joined one of seven discussion groups. The facilitators from each discussion group each fed back briefly to the whole group of attendees.
Daniel Pitt, a member of the Christ Church ECO group, which organised the showing, commented that:
“I was [...] delighted with the number who attended the showing. Whilst the crisis is daunting, I was encouraged by the amount of goodwill and commitment there is for efforts to mitigate and adapt to the crisis. It’s clear that much already goes on locally and how we need to work together, including supporting and encouraging our local leaders.”
The Diocesan Environment & Sustainability team have been working with parishes to organise showings of the film. If you are interested in hosting a showing, please reach out to the team at: Environment@bristoldiocese.org