Christian groups and organisations in the UK have undertaken substantial work to address the escalating climate crisis. However, the climate crisis is not only shaping the work of these groups and organisations, it is also shaping their theologies in creative and interesting ways. This project partnered with six Christian groups and organisations to uncover creativity in the theological thought of their environmental activists and advocates, as they respond in their own ways to tackling the climate crisis. This report reveals this creativity, explores their motivations and action-orientations for taking climate action, and makes recommendations for integrating these findings within the practices and policies of Christian groups and organisations across the UK.

The project used mixed methods, including participant observation, a large-scale survey (319 responses), and 62 in-depth interviews, to investigate ecotheological beliefs, emotions, influences, and views towards taking climate action. Through reflection and analysis using ideas from several disciplines, but especially theology, sociology, and social science methods – what we call “social science-engaged theology” – we have outlined the theological creativity of our research partners. The report offers twelve actionable recommendations for Christian groups and institutions. 

This report is part of a research project that incorporates LSRI Director Celia Deane-Drummond and involves partnerships with academic and practitioner institutions including the University of Manchester, Christian Climate Action, the Diocese of Manchester (within the Church of England), Operation Noah and Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD).