Pilgrimage, Nature & Us
Pilgrimage, Nature & Us: An Interfaith Conversation
Oxford, September - Amid a global landscape often marked by division, Hope4Creation, an Oxford-based interfaith climate action charity, is offering a timely message of unity. On 4 October 2025, the charity will host an interfaith event that brings together speakers from a range of religious and spiritual traditions to explore the theme: "Pilgrimage, Nature, and Us."
This gathering will shine a hopeful light on the enduring opportunity for solidarity across faiths, especially when grounded in a shared reverence for the natural world.The event will unite voices from diverse faith traditions to explore personal journeys of pilgrimage and our shared relationship with the natural world.
The line-up of speakers, who will reflect on what it means - for the individual, their faith and the world around them - to pilgrimage, include:
Dame Emma Bridgewater
Dr Engy Moussa
Esther de Waal
Farhana Mayer
Rabbi Judith Rosen-Berry
Rev'd Professor Andrew Gosler
Canon Dr Charlotte Bannister-Parker
Dame Emma Bridgewater said: “Pilgrimage is something that I knew I really needed. It's simple yet such a huge thing. It's a way to lose myself and then find myself again by setting out for a distant and significant shrine, whatever that might be, for me it was Canterbury Cathedral and the extraordinary power of that spiritual beacon.”
She continued: “Connecting with nature and walking, measuring for yourself a chunk of country, connecting to it, connecting to the landscape as you walk towards something significant - there's an enormous potential for healing. It's a wonderful thing to do.”
The event will take place at the Quaker Meeting House in Oxford, followed by a short walk through the city and an evening dinner at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford. The day’s programme includes panel discussions, afternoon tea, a keynote speech and opportunities for reflection and connection.
“In coming together across faith lines, we rediscover that caring for the Earth is a spiritual calling we all share,” said Canon Charlotte Bannister-Parker, the founder of Hope4Creation. “This conference demonstrates that unity across different faiths is possible. It also highlights faith as an effective way to inspire hope and action in facing the challenge of climate change.”
This initiative is part of Hope4Creation’s ongoing mission to educate, inspire and support faith communities to take sustained action on climate change.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025
Time: 14:30 – 22:00
Location: The Quaker Meeting House in Oxford, before a dinner at Green Templeton College
Admission: £10 for the conference at The Quaker Meeting House, £20 for the conference and dinner at Green Templeton College and £5 discounted tickets for select groups. (Registration required)
Register at: PilgrimageNatureUs.eventbrite.co.uk
