How might theological action research enable the local church to engage with and respond to the Anthropocene and climate change?

The Anthropocene reveals a planet in profound crisis on multiple fronts. One of its manifestations, anthropogenic climate change, continues to adversely impact humans and nature, and vulnerable communities who have contributed the least to the climate crisis are being disproportionately affected. As a Church of England vicar, I know that the local church has a positive role to play in tackling climate change. However, many parishes are not responding for various reasons. This research proposes that an intervention is required in the church community to change the conversation and allow new voices to be heard in dialogue with each other on these issues, including theological ones. Consequently, I located this study in the discipline of practical theology and explored the approach of Theological Action Research (TAR) in the local context. The Anthropocene lens was used primarily as a stimulus for theological reflection on human domination over nature in light of the biblical imperative for creation care (Gen.1:26-28).

The research took place in my parish over a period of seven months. It consisted of a partnership between parishioners in a focus group and diocesan ministry leaders in an external support group. Both worked collaboratively to progress the focus group’s action plan.

My research produced four main findings: the practitioner-researcher role was pivotal to participant engagement; diverse voices engaged positively in a co-creative theological and environmental project; the Dream Initiative culminated in a plan to reduce the church’s carbon footprint; using the Four Voices of Theology and Lectio Divina was challenging for some but led to significant theological insights and participants realizing humankind’s role in the climate crisis.

The above findings indicate that using Theological Action Research as an intervention was very effective. Participants engaged deeply in theological reflection on the Anthropocene and climate change, and the result was meaningful climate action.