An interfaith gathering took place to examine belief systems and practical steps for environmental care.

Representatives convened for a conference dedicated to religious responses to climate issues, hosted at Willowbrook Farm in Kidlington on Saturday, March 14.

The event, bearing the name ‘Earth Wisdom, Nature and Us,’ was arranged by Hope4Creation and examined how spiritual perspectives can inform conservation efforts and foster relationships with the natural world.

Oxfordshire’s Deputy Lieutenant Moira Darlington inaugurated the gathering, which attracted 40 participants and presenters.

Ms Darlington has served as Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire since 2020 and oversees the Lieutenancy’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion responsibilities across the county.

She additionally established the Emmaus Oxford charity and serves as co-patron of My Vision Oxfordshire.

Attendees started the programme by interacting with alpacas and participating in goat milking activities at the farm.

Presentations came from journalist Annabel Heseltine, who discussed ‘active hope,’ alongside the Rev Dr Peter Rožič representing Oxford University.

Indira Ghale, who leads Change Action Nepal, described an initiative empowering women in remote Nepalese communities through beekeeping to enhance their self-sufficiency and environmental conditions.

Further addresses were delivered by Oxfordshire agricultural workers Ruby Radwan and Mark Stevenson, Rabbi Dr Michael Hilton, and Kathy Shock, who leads eco-judaism initiatives at Oxford Synagogue.

As the conference concluded, those present were invited to experience HopeWalks, a recently launched outdoor programme combining spiritual awareness with nature connection for holistic wellbeing, before attending an evening reception at Green Templeton College.

Further details regarding Hope4Creation can be found at hope4creation.org.