New National Environment Officer

Jo joins the Mission and Public Affairs team from Christian Aid and the Diocese of Sheffield where she volunteers as their Environment Adviser. She will work closely with the Environment Consultant, David Shreeve, and link with the Cathedrals and Church Buildings team where Open and Sustainable Churches Officer, Catherine Ross, forms the third part of a new environment staff ‘hub’.

Jo, who starts work in the new role in February 2020. She said:

“I’m really looking forward to my working life being focused on addressing the most pressing issue in the world today – the environmental crisis caused by global heating. I hope to inspire all parts of the Church of England to take up their calling to care for God’s creation and be a prophetic voice for justice on this issue, which, like so many others, disproportionately affects the poorest in communities in England and around the world.”

The Revd Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of MPA, said:

“We are very pleased to have recruited someone with Jo’s depth of experience in environmental issues who is also held in very high regard among other church environment advisers. Her appointment will take our engagement with environmental issues in the public square to a new level, whilst also driving forward the church’s own ability to make a difference at a local level.”

Becky Clark, Director of Cathedrals and Church Buildings, commented:

“Jo’s arrival will complement the work that the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Team is doing to support parishes and dioceses to reduce their carbon footprint, prepare their buildings for the effects of climate change, and offer support to communities in times of crisis. The important relationship between local and national work on all aspects of the environment will be strengthened by Jo’s experience and skills.”