Telling Climate Stories: Creativity, Authenticity & Ethics
MMUK is delighted to share details of an upcoming event that will be of particular interest to supporters who care about climate justice, faith, and Melanesia.
On Saturday 23 May 2026, the Christian Rural & Environmental Studies (CRES) programme will host an in‑person study day at Ripon College Cuddesdon, near Oxford, exploring how we tell climate stories with creativity, integrity, and respect for the communities most affected.
This event holds special significance for MMUK because the keynote speaker, Rev’d Rich Clarkson, travelled to Solomon Islands in September 2025 through a placement arranged by MMUK with the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM). His visit, encouraged by the Bishop of Lichfield, gave him the opportunity to witness first-hand the reality of climate-related coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and community resilience across Melanesia.
Rich’s reflections from that visit will form the heart of this day of learning and conversation.
What the Day Will Explore
The programme runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm and includes:
Session One: Creative Climate Storytelling
Rich will share some of the experiences, voices, and stories gathered during his Solomon Islands placement, along with creative responses inspired by what he witnessed. The session will explore how artistic expression, narrative, and imagination can help communicate the lived reality of climate change.
Session Two: Authentic & Ethical Climate Storytelling
The afternoon turns to the ethics of climate communication. How do we tell stories that are honest and scientifically grounded—yet also fair to the people whose lives and lands are being most affected? How can we avoid exploiting suffering, and instead honour strength, dignity, and agency?
The day concludes with outdoor worship in Cuddesdon’s Forest Church area.
Rich’s time in Melanesia deepened relationships between the UK and ACoM, strengthened through MMUK’s work, and amplified the voices of those who experience climate change most intensely.
This study day offers a unique opportunity for MMUK supporters to:
Hear first-hand how climate change is affecting communities in the Solomon Islands
Learn how to communicate these stories with care and respect
Connect with others passionate about faith‑based environmental action
We warmly encourage MMUK supporters in the UK to attend this event if they are able.
Booking Details
- Date: Saturday 23 May 2026
- Location: Ripon College Cuddesdon, near Oxford
- Cost: £30
- Booking Deadline: 11 May 2026
- How to Book: Email CRES Administrator Lynda McKeown at
📧 cres@jri.org.uk
Further details will be circulated to all registered participants in May. Telling Climate Stories: Creativity, Authenticity, Ethics – CRES
About Rev’d Rich Clarkson
Rich is an Anglican priest in the West Midlands with a deep commitment to environmental theology and action. He has academic backgrounds in Physics and Theology, and serves as Chair of the John Ray Initiative. He has authored resources for churches on creation care and the Season of Creation.
Provisional Programme
- 10.00–10.30 Arrivals & Coffee
- 10.30–10.45 Welcome & Introductions
- 10.45–12.15 Session One – Creative Climate Storytelling
- 12.15–12.30 Break
- 12.30–12.45 CRES News
- 12.45–13.00 Free Time
- 13.00–14.00 Lunch
- 14.00–15.15 Session Two – Authentic & Ethical Climate Storytelling
- 15.15–15.45 Outdoor Worship (Forest Church)
- 15.45–16.00 Tea & Depart
We Hope to See You There
This will be a rich and inspiring day for anyone passionate about climate justice, storytelling, and the future of Melanesia.
MMUK is grateful to Rev’d Rich Clarkson for his continued commitment to sharing the experiences of Pacific communities with care and integrity.
We hope many of our supporters will join this event and continue to walk with us in amplifying Melanesian climate voices.