ecology
Our focus was on Mixed Ecology, and what we mean by that in practice.
• PhD in chemistry with a mix of biochemistry and ecology (trying to work out the feeding preferences
A mixed ecology is really important, and needs the support of the Church Commissioners and General Synod.
As a bird watcher, I have a keen interest in the environment and ecology, and I volunteer for the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, surveying for water voles and otters, as well as supporting our local nature reserve (Millenium Meadow).
Local Church: I believe the local church is the hope of the world and, whilst I support mixed ecology, I’m a strong advocate of the parish system.
I have witnessed this in my own church—St Michael at the North Gate, a BCP church in central Oxford— where the congregation has markedly both increased in numbers and decreased in average age, and I am committed to promoting the use of the BCP within the ‘mixed ecology’ of worship. ‘No’ to Project Spire The Church of England seems determined to press ahead with Project Spire—its £100 million ‘reparative justice initiative’ to atone for its claimed profit from the transatlantic slave trade over 300 years ago—amidst ongoing wrangling about whether the Church Commissioners’ funds can legally be used in that way.
I welcome Archbishop Sarah’s recommitment to flourishing local parishes, confirming that the “mixed ecology” was never intended to displace the parish system.
Ecology Committee: St John’s de-carbonising plans
I’m passionate about seeing a healthy Mixed Ecology, where the whole breadth of our traditions can flourish, and long to see every Parish thrive within its context.
In July 2023 I successfully moved an amendment to the Revitalisation of the Parish System Motion, by which General Synod affirmed the parish system as “the central component of the mixed ecology”.
• I have led a growing Parish that saw good growth through a mixed ecology
I genuinely believe that our greatest asset is our network of parishes, and while the Church of England always was, is, and will continue to be a mixed ecology of ministry, the nation still encounters the Church of England and our Christian ministry primarily through the parish system.
As someone with a background in Fresh Expressions, Church Planting and Pioneering, I would also strongly advocate for a Mixed Ecology approach to Mission.
The issues that will matter No election address can cover every paper that will come before Synod in the next five years, but these are the attitudes I will seek to deploy: – The parish and mixed ecology.
Fresh Insight & Mixed Ecology: As a member of the GMH Clergy, I believe this gives me fresh eyes on our core challenges.
As a Black man brought up in a white family, I am a living illustration of what it is to be of "mixed ecology".
I believe the Church of England can thrive as a diverse ecology if we encourage honest, mature conversation and mutual respect.
Support and encourage the C of E in their 3 priorities of being a church of missionary disciples, a church where mixed ecology is the norm, and a church that is younger and more diverse
Understanding and sympathy for the traditional parish setup which I long to see flourish, coupled with a lot of experience of some innovative and courageous mixed ecology mission
When I was 18, I went to University to study Ecology because I wanted to save the rainforests.
In both rural and urban areas, a ‘mixed ecology’ is essential for the whole church’s effectiveness in mission in our generation.
At the same time, I support a mixed ecology of worshipping communities, including Mission Initiatives such as those established in the Diocese of Truro.
We have developed fruitful links with Parliament through the House of Lords and played a part in wider national rural issues such as farming, ecology, housing, climate resilience and food security.
It is important, too, that the Church learns to flourish in its mixed ecology landscape.
Our Church’s vision: Jesus-centred; simpler, humbler, bolder; a church of missionary disciples where mixed ecology is normal, that is younger and more diverse.
They want the Church to be a community of ‘missionary disciples’, to be ‘younger and more diverse’ and to operate on a ‘mixed ecology’ basis, comprising parishes, chaplaincies, digital and fresh expressions– as we adapt to new ways of being and doing Church to reach out to our neighbours and communities with the Good News of the Kingdom at this time of anxiety, confusion and loneliness.
« Mixed Ecology
Being part of a Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO) for the last four years has shown me first-hand the beauty and necessity of a mixed ecology.
However, my commitment to mixed ecology begins with a deep commitment to the parish system.
A healthy mixed ecology does not diminish parish ministry; it recognises its vital place while making room for new ways of sharing the gospel and serving our communities.
The importance of being a church that engages with ecology and the immediate actions that we need to take is something, which the parishes and I engage with on a serious level.
Talk of a ‘mixed ecology church’ means ongoing dialogue within parishes, deaneries, the wider Diocese and the national church, as the whole Church of England seeks to work together