Course Testimonials

The CRES certificate program has moulded me. I will never be the same anymore after discovering the role that the triune God plays in creation, the negative impact of humanity’s sin on creation and Jesus Christ’s cosmic redemption. I discovered that the Holy Spirit played a role in creation, hatching all kinds of living creatures. It has been exciting to learn that the New Heaven and New Earth will not be built on the ashes …

I have really enjoyed my time studying with CRES. I have a geography background and the fieldwork and opportunity to look at topics from a Christian point of view drew me into the course. I found the first unit Living World to be exactly what I wanted … lots of practical tasks. From there as I worked through the units my interest grew in seeking to care for God’s creation in the urban Evangelical church …

I was drawn to CRES because of my job as digital engagement officer for CPRE Bedfordshire, the countryside charity. It is all to easy to put work in one box and church in another, so I saw it as an opportunity to help me connect my job and my faith. At my church we were just starting to think seriously about Eco Church, which was another good reason to learn more about Christian approaches to …

Having spent many years considering how mine and my families lives impact on God’s precious earth I was delighted to happen upon the CRES course. I longed to gather some Biblical knowledge alongside what I already knew about caring for the planet. It has been a long time since school but I was encouraged to be accepted to study. My local church were keen to support me and for me to share my knowledge with …

It is a good course that is done on your own with the support of a tutor. I had to spend many hours reading and writing but it was totally worth it. I really liked the Cres course and the best part of it was that it helped me to have a more open mind and to see the reality of things in different ways, and it also left me with the desire to study …

As the leader of a missional community with a care for people and planet and the Eco Schools lead at my school, I have been aware of environmental issues for nearly 20 years: I listened to science and read about effective actions; I led others in practical activities and prayed for the world. But I was missing hearing the voice of the Church – I was missing a depth of theology which framed the world …

Doing the CRES course was a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in how the Christian faith relates to the environment. The structure of the course means that everyone covers some basic ideas about religion and the environment, but also allows for a lot of flexibility so that you can pursue your own interests. I work as an environmental historian, and taking this course helped me to make connections …

Are you passionate about God’s earth, involved with Eco Church, or a landowner concerned about faith and the environment? In an invitation to take the CRES course, this was the question posed by A Rocha. I fitted all three criteria and signed up. I am no academic – it had been fifty years since I sat my last exam – so I was apprehensive. I need not have worried. I cannot write in theological language …

I can’t praise the CRES course highly enough. I have always had a passion to care for the environment and felt this should be a crucial part of my lifestyle as a follower of Jesus. I have a BSc in Environmental Sciences and I have worked in the environment and international development sectors for many years. I currently work at University of East Anglia managing research projects addressing the Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries. …

I am Priest-in-Charge of a parish in the Diocese of Canterbury. I am also a doctoral research student (Professional Doctorate of Practical Theology) at Anglia Ruskin University/Cambridge Theological Federation. I am currently researching Theological Action Research as a possible way of practically engaging church communities in the matters of climate change and the Anthropocene. The CRES course with its ample list of resources accompanying each course, has provided me with a wealth of knowledge in …

I first became aware of A Rocha through attending the once annual services held at the WWT Martin Mere, at their North West Birdwatching Festival. I became more involved after visiting Cruzinha, A Rocha Portugal, and through the influence of people at my Church. I decided to embark on the CRES certificate course, to give me the structure to explore some of the theology relating to creation care, as it seemed to me that some …

I started the CRES course along with my doctoral program in climate change. The CRES course inspired and challenged me to think about how to integrate my knowledge with faith and real life. Particularly, writing a work diary was very helpful to reflect upon the environment and my daily life practice. Also working on a study paper certainly expanded the horizon of my knowledge and thought. The critical feedback from my CRES supervising tutors was …

I am currently an ordinand in the Church of England and pursuing a PhD in Theology and Environment at the University of Durham. The CRES diploma was a fantastic opportunity to conduct independent research on Christianity and Ecology within a structured and supportive programme. I was paired up with an excellent supervisor who was able to offer expert guidance on my area of interest, helping me shape my initial research questions and offering feedback during …

Studying CRES was a fantastic opportunity to expand my knowledge on not only environmental issues but also investigate what the Bible says about looking after the planet. I was interested in the course having studied Geography at University and wanted a more theological insight into environmental issues. There was a brilliant range of subjects to study  and I felt I learnt a huge amount. I also thoroughly enjoyed the CRES day conferences and residential where …

In 2009 I was granted a period of study leave from my post as a vicar in Preston, Lancs, and had been intending to while away the time musing about climate change. However, I realised that I needed something that would ground my musings with academic rigour and, at the same time, provide a structure to the study period. I came across reference to the Christian Certificate in Rural and Environmental Studies, and was fortunate …

I first discovered the CRES course whilst reading Peter Harris’ excellent book ‘Kingfisher’s Fire’. At the time I had some big questions – about the state of the earth and the issues facing the natural world.  The world we live in today seems so downgraded compared to early accounts given in scripture that part of me wondered whether the Lord is still interested in creation today. I hoped that maybe the CRES course would help …

I was born and brought up in a small farm owned by my dad in Manipur, North East India. I enjoyed wondering around the farm and helping out my parents in day to day activities as necessary. Since then, I developed a love for the natural environment. Although, I was raised in a Christian family I didn’t see any connection between my Christian faith and caring for the natural world, nor did I hear anyone …

The course is well worth the effort and investment. A carefully selected set of initial books is provided as part of the course, which helps one get underway quickly. Further books can be obtained on-line, or borrowed from the CRES library on the study days. Of course the internet is a boundless source also. Study guides are provided for each module and contain references to further reading. It was great to have a tutor allocated …

Reading Planetwise by Dave Bookless was a lightbulb moment for me. How had I missed all this before? I was keen to learn all I could about environmental issues, climate change, the environment and biodiversity, preferably from a Christian perspective. And then I found out about CRES! It sounded just what I was looking for, especially when I found myself moving to a new rural parish. As a non-scientist I found some of the study …