A University of Chester academic has helped shape a major new Church of England document addressing the climate and environmental crises.

Dr Ben Fulford, associate professor of Christian Theology at the University of Chester, chaired the working group that produced Hope for All Creation, a major new teaching document approved by the Church of England's House of Bishops in May.

The Chester academic was also among those who presented the document to the Church of England's General Synod in July, putting expertise from the university at the centre of a national discussion about how Christians should respond to climate change.

Hope for All Creation sets out a Christian understanding of the environmental crisis, drawing on current scientific knowledge alongside biblical teaching about God's relationship with creation.

The document argues that caring for the environment should be an integral part of Christian faith and encourages churches and communities to work with wider society in responding to environmental challenges.

Dr Ben Fulford said his involvement in the project had been a "great privilege" and that he hoped the document would help inform reflection and action "in and beyond the Church".

He said: "The impact of the climate and environmental crises has rarely been so obvious and palpable in this country.

"Religious communities, like the Church of England, have a key part to play in addressing these crises and mitigating their impacts.

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"I'm really excited about how it can help inform and shape reflection and action in response to these crises, in and beyond the Church and I look forward to seeing how people use it in different contexts, communities and initiatives."

The document also provides theological underpinning for the Church of England's Net Zero Carbon initiative and wider Environmental Programme, as well as the new Feast of Creation in Christ, which will be celebrated annually in churches on the first Sunday of September.

Dr Paul Taylor, head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Chester, said Dr Fulford's leadership demonstrated the impact university academics can have on wider society.

He added: "Ben's leadership in shaping Hope for All Creation reflects both his scholarly expertise and his commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

"We are delighted to see his work helping to inform discussion and action on environmental stewardship across the Church and wider communities."

You can find Dr Ben Fulford's introduction to document at the Church of England's General Synod here.