Churches across Birmingham and the region are screening the National Emergency Briefing, a powerful new film about the urgency of the environmental crisis.
Presented by Chris Packham and featuring nine leading scientists and experts, the film lays out the impacts of the ongoing environmental crisis on aspects of life in the UK, and what we can do to respond.
The film is designed to be screened in communities, so that viewers can understand the scale of the crisis and begin conversations about how to respond together.
Responding to God’s call to care for our world and each other
The film unpacks the impacts of the climate and nature crises on our world, including on our weather, food supply, health and national security.
While the impacts of climate change are already being felt in the UK and around the world, it is the poorest communities that are most affected, and least prepared to deal with the consequences.
As Christians, the film speaks directly to our call to care for God’s creation, as well as Jesus’ command to love one another and care for the most vulnerable.
Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and Lead Bishop for the Environment explained, "I encourage churches to invite their wider community and show this film – it’s a wake up for us all.
"Its message to care for climate, people and nature is so urgently needed, not least so that we might live and act as Jesus would have us be.”
The film is being screened in churches, community centres, other places of worship, and workplaces across the country, with local leaders invited to attend.
Each event is followed by a discussion of what action communities and individuals can take.
“Everyone should see this film”
This was the response of one of the more than 100 attendees at the film’s screening, at St Philip’s Church Centre, Dorridge earlier this summer.
Sarah Buttrick, who attended the screening, commented, “I know we are facing a global crisis on an unparalleled scale.
“But watching this hard-hitting film truly brought home the sheer emergency of the situation, as well as the direction now in how to make a difference.”
This reflection was echoed by Caroline Egan, Church of England Birmingham Assistant Diocesan Environment Officer.
Caroline said, “Young people who attended the screening told me it gave them hope, because the film – while setting out starkly what we are facing on our current trajectory – also makes clear how we can build a better future.”
Find out more
Churches across Birmingham and the wider region are hosting several screenings of the National Emergency Briefing over the coming months.
Parishes taking part include St Christopher’s in Springfield – which holds Gold Eco-Church status – St Hilda’s in Warley Woods, Bournville Parish Church and All Saints, Streetly.
Full details of upcoming screenings, expert speakers and information on how to host a screening are available on the National Emergency Briefing website.
Watch the National Emergency Briefing trailer.
Photo credit: National Emergency Briefing