Newry, 17 January 2026 — Church leaders, politicians, theologians, scientists and grassroots practitioners from across Ireland will gather in Newry this January for a major all-Ireland conference on Creation Care. The event is organised by the Irish Council of Churches, in partnership with the Irish Inter Church Meeting and Church Leaders, and reflects a growing commitment among churches to respond credibly and practically to the ecological crisis.
Entitled “Let Justice Flow Like Rivers”, the conference will take place on Saturday 17 January 2026, from 10.00am to 3.30pm, at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. The day will explore how churches can integrate theology, science, reconciliation and action in responding to climate and ecological breakdown.
Andrew Muir MLA, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, will attend, alongside a government representative from the Republic of Ireland, underlining the all-island significance of the gathering. The conference will be chaired by BBC reporter Louise Cullen, who will act as MC for the day, guiding participants through keynote contributions, panel discussions and commitments for action.
High-profile keynote speakers
The morning programme will feature three keynote contributions bringing together theology, science and lived experience:
Dr Hilary Marlow, Fellow, Graduate Tutor and Director of Studies at Girton College, Cambridge, and Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity, will offer a theological perspective. A leading scholar in ecological hermeneutics, Dr Marlow explores how Scripture shapes Christian responsibility towards the natural world. She is the author of The Earth Is the Lord’s: A Biblical Response to Environmental Issues and is currently editing the Oxford Handbook on Bible and Ecology. Her work also includes interfaith engagement through Scriptural Reasoning, and she serves as a trustee of the Christian conservation charity A Rocha
A Rocha is an international Christian organization focused on environmental conservation. Its name comes from the Portuguese word for “the rock.” Founded in 1983 in Portugal, A Rocha works to promote biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and foster sustainability, often working closely with local communities. The organization integrates faith with environmental stewardship, emphasizing creation care from a Christian perspective. A Rocha operates in multiple countries, engaging in practical conservation projects, scientific research, environmental education, and community-based initiatives..
Professor Jim McAdam OBE, retired agricultural and environmental scientist with more than 40 years’ experience in government research and at Queen’s University Belfast, will bring a scientific lens. His work includes peatland restoration, agroforestry, ecosystem services and a major 2023 climate change and carbon storage study for Lough Neagh.
Dr Gail Gunst Heffner, author of Reconciliation in a West Michigan Watershed, co-founder of Plaster Creek Stewards, and a leading practitioner in church-based environmental restoration, will reflect on reconciliation between communities, churches and damaged ecosystems, drawing on real-world watershed recovery projects.
Each keynote will be followed by moderated discussion and questions from participants.
From reflection to action: churches sharing lived practice
In the afternoon, the focus will move from inspiration to implementation with a substantial session entitled:
“What contributions can and do churches make to Creation Care?”
Churches from different traditions will share concrete experiences, challenges and measurable impacts, including:
Eco Congregation Ireland, outlining how churches are engaging spiritually, practically, locally and globally in care for creation.
The Moravian Church, reflecting on Creation Care within a small minority church, including challenges related to historic buildings and limited resources.
Methodist Centenary Church, Dublin, sharing volunteer-led sustainability initiatives and lessons learned from long-term commitment.
The Archdiocese of Dublin, presenting its Energy Masterplan, including data-driven approaches to reducing emissions, energy costs and land-use impacts.
A facilitated Q&A will enable participants to explore how these approaches might be adapted in their own church and community contexts.
A shared commitment to hope and justice
The conference has a clear objective: to equip churches across Ireland to move from concern to commitment in caring for creation. The day will conclude with a shared liturgical moment and a “River of Hope” pledge, inviting participants to name one concrete action they will take — personally or within their church — in response to the ecological crisis, particularly in relation to water, land and climate justice.
By bringing theology, science and lived church practice into conversation, organisers hope the conference will strengthen cooperation across denominations and encourage measurable, hope-filled action rooted in faith.
Tickets: £10
Booking: https://letjustflow.eventbrite.ie
Further information: info@irishchurches.org