Creation Care Conference
As part of the installation of Gaia, Blackburn Cathedral will host a Creation Care Conference on Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November 2025.
Blackburn Cathedral is hosting a Creation Care Conference from 31st October to 1st November, bringing together voices from across the Christian spectrum to explore how faith communities can respond to the environmental crisis.
In the opening chapters of Genesis, God formed humanity out of the dust of the earth and gave a mandate to “tend and keep the garden”, in other words, care for God’s creation.
This conference, the theme of which is "God’s World and our Mission", will offer a space open to people of all faiths and none to discuss the issues together.
The event takes place in the awe-inspiring presence of Gaia, a large-scale sculpture of the Earth by internationally- renowned artist Luke Jerram. Suspended in the Cathedral’s nave, this striking installation prompts a fundamental question:
“What is the relationship between Christianity and concern for human-made climate change?”
Conference overview
The green agenda is a controversial political issue: for some people climate change and environmental disaster is an existential crisis and for others it is a hoax.
In the opening chapters of Genesis, God formed humanity out of the dust of the earth and gave a mandate to “tend and keep the garden”, in other words, care for God’s creation.
The conference begins under Gaia on Friday evening with a keynote address by theologian, environmentalist, and social activist, Dr Canon Ruth Valerio.
Saturday will offer opportunities for in-depth dialogue, networking and a series of seminars, culminating in a Creation Care Eucharist service at the Cathedral.
This event will highlight the vital role of caring for God’s planet and will offer a space open to people of all faiths and none to discuss the issues together.
Guest speakers
The conference will hear from a number of esteemed guest speakers, full details of the lineup will be released soon.
Keynote speaker
Dr Canon Ruth Valerio, a theologian, environmentalist, and social activist, will headline the conference.
As Programmes, Partnerships & Advocacy Director at Embrace the Middle East, Canon Theologian at Rochester Cathedral and author of ‘Saying Yes to Life’, Valerio brings deep theological insight and practical experience to questions of environmental justice.
She is known for helping churches engage with creation care as an integral part of Christian discipleship, drawing from Scripture, theology, and lived practice.
Her work combines academic insight with practical experience in community-based environmental action, making her uniquely equipped to address the conference’s themes.
Seminar topics
Schedule: Friday 31st October
Schedule: Saturday 1st November
Conference packages
Book tickets
As shown above, there are four ticket options with the All Inclusive Full Conference Package offering the best value.
This discounted ticket covers entry to every session across both days and includes all refreshments and a pre-paid lunch on Saturday too.
Irrespective of which day(s) you attend and which package you select, all attendees must register in advance – including for free Saturday tickets.
Venue information
- Blackburn Cathedral is 2 minutes from the bus interchange and railway station.
- Please note that there is no onsite parking however there are a number of public car parks close by.
- Although there are some old, uneven surfaces and care should be taken, the Cathedral is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly.
- There is level access into and around the building – learn more about accessibility at Blackburn Cathedral.
- For further venue details, please – plan your visit.
Please note
All details are correct at time of publication. Please note that conference content, speakers and timings are subject to change and may vary from those listed. For the latest information please visit blackburncathedral.com/creation
Where ticket links are provided, Blackburn Cathedral cannot be held responsible for the content of, or transactions that take place on, external websites. Ticket purchases may feature individual, additional terms and conditions and attract booking fees in addition to the ticket price.
