David Hewlett has become the new Chair of the diocesan Climate Crisis Task Group. He takes over from Bishop Martin, who has been Interim Chair since the retirement of Hugh Burton at the start of the year.
David retired as Principal of the Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham three years ago. He lives in Leigh Sinton, south of Worcester and worships mainly at Suckley Church where his wife, Penny, exercises a lay ministry, and where he is also vice-chair of Governors at the neighbouring school.
He said:
“My conversion to the urgency of the climate and nature crisis/catastrophe that we face began about five years ago as my youngest son, a trained astrophysicist, gave up his academic career to become a full-time climate activist. His expertise and commitment helped me see not only the urgency but the wider and deeper connections of this crisis with economic and political systems, and the ways in which the 'powers that be' frustrate and obfuscate the reality of this. This crisis is already damaging the health and welfare of many, but especially of children and young people, as they feel anxiety, grief, hopelessness and anger as they see the world and its future being destroyed around them.
“While my primary expertise is as a theologian and educator, I consider my best gift to be the ability to think and act strategically, and I hope it is this that I can bring to the Climate Crisis Task Group. I was impressed when I saw the breadth and range of the diocesan strategy for climate change and hope that I can help the group and the Diocese to renew and develop that strategy, policy and action in ways that are an integral part of the transforming mission of the Church.”
Bishop Martin said: “I am delighted that David has agreed to chair our Climate Crisis Task Group. This is such an important area of work and I’m sure he will bring skills and experience that will help us continue to move forward in our journey towards becoming net-zero Carbon by 2030.
