Bishop Helen-Ann is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan Cox as the Bishop’s Advisor on Climate Justice and the Environment.
This is a new and voluntary role. Bishop Helen-Ann is immensely grateful to Mark Nash-Williams and to Tim Mayfield who both held the role of Bishop’s Advisor on the Environment. She is very pleased indeed that Tim will take up another new role of Coordinator of Environment Parish Champions, enabling local engagement and celebration of work in this vital area, one of the Five Marks of Mission.
The new Bishop’s Advisor on Climate Justice and the Environment, Duncan Cox shares these words about himself and his new role:
“I have lived and worked in Newcastle since moving here in 1993. We have been privileged to be part of the family at Holy Trinity Church in Jesmond for most of that time. I am a chartered structural and civil engineer for an international consulting engineering company with whom I have travelled internationally for short periods during my career. I have a personal passion for sustainability and, through my professional life I have developed experience in not only the practical application of sustainability principles to the built environment but also the importance of the communication and cultural change that needs to go alongside these to really deliver change. I am inspired by the examples I have heard of those in the Diocese and wider church already making a difference and I believe that we as the Body of Christ can truly make a difference in this amazing world that God has blessed us with when we work together.”
Bishop Helen-Ann commented on these new appointments: “I am absolutely delighted that Duncan has accepted my invitation to be my new Advisor on Climate Justice and the Environment. The witness of Scripture points us to two key themes of: sustainability, grounded in the narrative of Genesis, reminding us as human beings of our responsibility as stewards of creation; and of climate justice, grounded in the narrative of Mark’s Gospel and the question of ‘who is my neighbour?’. As a diocese, we (along with other dioceses in the Church of England and with our Communion and Ecumenical partners in mission) are committed to understanding and responding to the impact of the climate crisis on our diverse communities covering landscapes that include rural, urban and coastal contexts. Our vision to be a diocese turning outwards in mission, growing younger and more diverse is enabled by our dynamic inhabiting of seeking, sharing and sending. These words give us focus and resolve as we seek God’s kingdom, share our resources and send one another into the world to transform it.
“I know that Duncan in this new role, and Tim in his role of Parish Champion Coordinator will enable and celebrate the work that is already happening in the Diocese of Newcastle to address issues of environmental sustainability and climate justice. I join with all our voices in declaring the resonant words of the Psalmist: ‘The earth is the Lord’s and all that fills it, the compass of the world and all who dwell therein’ (Psalm 24).”