“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). That verse set the tone for a landmark conference held today in Belfast, where over 200 people gathered in PCI’s Assembly Buildings for a day of worship, teaching, and reflection on what it means to care for God’s creation.
The event, entitled God’s World: Our Responsibility?, was introduced by MCs David Bruce and Christine Craig, before the Moderator, the Very Rev Dr Trevor Gribben, offered words of welcome and prayer. He reminded participants that issues surrounding the environment are often controversial, yet as Christians our foundation must always be God’s Word. “We need to hear what God says, and then act,” he said, expressing his delight at the presence of keynote speaker Rev Dr Chris Wright.
A time of collective worship followed, with a band leading reflective prayer and providing music throughout the day. Psalm 104 was a touchstone in this opening moment, inviting participants to receive creation as a lavish gift of God and to be agents of its care and renewal.
Exploring the biblical story
Rev Dr Chris Wright, International Ministries Director of the Langham Partnership, delivered the keynote address. Drawing deeply from Scripture, he traced four central truths the Bible presents about creation: its goodness, glory, gift, and goal.
Creation, he reminded participants, is declared “very good” in Genesis 1. It reveals God, belongs to God, and is to be honoured as His temple—not worshipped, but treated with reverence as something sacred. Creation itself glorifies God, with Scripture portraying rivers clapping their hands and trees singing for joy. Its diversity and abundance, Wright argued, form part of God’s glory, and when human misuse diminishes that glory, it provokes God’s judgement.
The gift of creation, he said, comes with responsibility. God’s people are called to serve and care for the land, exercising authority as delegated rulers who reflect His kingship. “All we do is by God’s authority and right,” Wright noted, urging Christians to consider how farming, economics, and politics can either honour or damage creation.
Looking ahead, Wright placed creation firmly within the hope of the gospel. Redemption is not about escape to heaven, but about God’s renewal of heaven and earth. “Salvation is with the earth,” he said, describing creation’s groaning as labour pains pointing towards new birth. The final destination, according to Revelation, is a new heaven and a new earth—our hope is not in abandoning creation but in its restoration.
Engaging in dialogue and practice
Following Wright’s address, participants engaged in a lively Q&A session before breaking into workshops. Topics ranged from eco-anxiety and sustainable food to congregational stories of practical action, equipping churches and individuals with steps they can take in their own contexts.
In closing, speakers urged attendees not to treat creation care as a peripheral matter. Wright challenged the Church to repentance where indifference has prevailed, to lament where creation is degraded, and to think biblically about our responsibility. “What is good for creation,” he said, “is good for humanity.”
A hopeful witness
The conference grew out of last year’s General Assembly, where PCI members affirmed that creation care is intrinsic to Christian faith and that the Church must act responsibly in response to climate change. Today’s event was a concrete step in that direction, grounding reflection in Scripture and encouraging practical action.
As participants left, they carried with them both challenge and hope: challenge to take seriously the biblical call to steward creation, and hope in the God who promises renewal. As one worship leader prayed at the outset, may we be “agents of care and renewal” for God’s world—our shared home.
