About sixty people gathered in Perth Cathedral from across the St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane diocese on Sunday 22nd September for the Diocesan Environment Net Zero Gathering. The aim was, within the context of worship, to reflect on our place in creation and our responsibilities. Participants from across the Diocese and more widely from the Province, as well as some ecumenical partners used the opportunity to meet, swap stories and chat. We also browsed the information stands by external organisations.
It was fantastic to have Susanna Rae (Sustrans Officer embedded in Perth & Kinross Council) representing Sustrans, Jess Pepper (Climate Reality Leader and Founder/Director of Climate Cafés) and Karen Hind (Cherish Support Officer) from the National Churches Trust. Susan Norrie (Climate Change and Sustainable Development Officer) from Perth & Kinross Climate Action also provided leaflets and posters for the event.
After a welcome from the Provost, Bishop Ian and Rev Canon Elaine Garman, Convenor of Diocesan Environment Group, we joined together in worship with prayer, Scripture readings and song. Following the opening worship, everyone chose to attend two of the four workshop stations around the building.
These included Positive Finances, led by Bethany Nelson (SEC Net Zero Team – Empowerment Coordinator), and Jack Nevin (SEC Net Zero Team – Innovation Coordinator); Rooted Worship, led by Alan Werrity (Chair of Eco Group, Saint Andrew’s, St Andrews) and Rev David Coleman (Environmental Chaplain of Eco-Congregation Scotland); Zero Waste led by Ross Stirling-Young (Assistant Curate at St Columba’s, Stanley); and Training and Education led by James Gardner (Officer for Children and Youth in the Diocese and Convenor of the Diocesan Communications Group).
Everyone joined together again to reflect on their learnings and discussions and to hear from Rev David Coleman. Rev Lara Dose launched a “Participative Art across the Diocese” project, which will be displayed at the St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane Diocesan Synod in Spring 2025. The afternoon closed in worship, with a blessing from Bishop Ian.
Text adapted from Net Zero Environment Gathering – The Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane (anglican.org)
Bethany Nelson, Empowerment Coordinator.
