Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The Church of England has given an extra push to its environmental issues work with the appointment of David Shreeve, executive director of The Conservation Foundation, as environmental adviser in the Mission and Public Affairs Division. The conservation expert will work alongside Claire Foster, policy adviser to the Archbishops' Council on science, medicine, technology and environmental issues, for two days a week.

David has been working in the environmental field for the last 23 years, having founded The Conservation Foundation, with David Bellamy, in 1982. For the last four years, he has run a programme with the Church of England to raise awareness of environmental issues in the dioceses, often working ecumenically and interfaith. The programme runs with the support of DEFRA: the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He was awarded a Lambeth Degree in 2003 in recognition of his work to influence the Church's understanding of environmental issues.

David Shreeve said: 'The Church has been working on environmental issues for several decades, but the last year has seen unprecedented activity. There was the publication of Sharing God's Planet, the debate in the General Synod last February, and a conference hosted by the Church Commissioners at Lambeth Palace which brought together the decision makers and the holders of purse strings at diocesan level.

'The Church now needs to crystalise its strategy and deliver on the motion carried by Synod last February. So, my first task is to ensure that all dioceses are aware of that motion's encouragement to measure their reduction of energy consumption; to gather together the numerous excellent initiatives that are already taking place around the country; to identify and encourage the many enthusiasts and experts there are throughout the dioceses; and to encourage Churches to use environmental awareness and concern not just in their own house-keeping, but to promote them as concerned members of their local communities and to lead by example. I feel privileged to help the Church take this next step in its strategy.'

Notes for Editors

A picture of David Shreeve is available from the press office on the number below.

Sharing God's Planet (ISBN 0 7151 4068 X) is published by Church House Publishing, priced ?5.99, and is available from all Christian bookshops and Church House Bookshop, 31 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BN, tel. 020-7898 1300, email bookshop@c-of-e.org.uk , or on the web at: www.chbookshop.co.uk (mail order available).

It can also be read on-line here www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/gs1558.pdf.

Further information from:

Church of England Communications Office
Church House
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3NZ
Direct Dial Telephone: 020 7898 1326
Out-of-hours Telephone: 07774 800212