Date: 13:00 UTC 21 November to 11:00 UTC 22 November 2023
Location: Online

A conference for senior church leaders (by invitation only).

“I am because we are.” The idea of ubuntu labels our interconnectedness, just as Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us we are neighbours to all. In this retreat we will hear from African leaders in science, theology, and ministry about the impacts of climate change on East African life and agriculture. Discussion with senior church leaders from around the world will tie the abstract global issue to concrete local causes and ethical choices Christians can make in their own location.

Speakers

Rt Revd Dr Emily Onyango, Assistant Bishop of Bondo Diocese in Kenya, is the first female bishop in the Anglican Church of Kenya. She has a PhD in history, focusing on women’s education in Kenya, and lectures in history and theology at St Paul’s University in Limuru.

Dr Ifeanyi Nsofor is a public health physician, global health equity advocate, global health thought leader, a leading voice for universal health coverage and an advocate for amplifying the health consequences of climate change. He is a Senior New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute, Senior Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity at George Washington University and an Innovation Fellow at PandemicTech.

Dr Loreen Maseno is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion, Theology and Philosophy at Maseno University, Kenya. She has written on a wide ranging of topics, including food, gender and spirituality.

Revd Steve Muneza is Director of Formation and Mixed-Mode Training at Cranmer Hall, Durham University. He has worked in business consultancy in East Africa and  is interested in ‘competing’ spaces, e.g. physical vs spiritual, global vs local.

Schedule

SESSION 1: Social Climate

Tuesday, 21 November 2023 – 13:00-15:00 UTC

The Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, former Bishop of Kingston, interviews the Rt Revd Emily Onyango, Assistant Bishop of Bondo Diocese, Kenya

Small group discussion

Introduction to the Virtual Field Trip by the Revd Prof Charlotte Sleigh, ECLAS Researcher and Professor of Science and Technology Studies, UCL

Reflection led by the Revd Prof Diphus Chemorion, Acting Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor of Old Testament in the School of Theology, St Paul’s University, Limuru

SESSION 2: Physical Climate

Tuesday, 21 November 2023 – 16:00-18:00 UTC

The Revd Dr Kathryn Pritchard, ECLAS Co-Director and Researcher at Church of England’s Faith and Public Life team, interviews Dr Ifeanyi Nsofor, medical doctor and CEO of Nigeria Health Watch

Reflection led by the Revd Steve Muneza, ECLAS Co-Director for Global Engagement and Director of Formation and Mixed-Mode Training at Cranmer Hall, Durham University

Small group discussion

Reflection led by the Revd Dr Kathryn Pritchard

SESSION 3: Spiritual Climate

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 – 9:00-11:00 UTC

Dr Thoko Kamwendo, ECLAS Post-Doctoral Researcher, interviews Dr Loreen Maseno, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion, Theology and Philosophy at Maseno University, Maseno

Reflection led by the  Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester

Small group discussion

Closing reflection led by the Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham