Christians hit back at naturalist’s criticism

A leading British naturalist is facing criticism after claiming that Christianity encourages the exploitation of Creation.

Chris Packham, the presenter of BBC wildlife programme Springwatch, was asked by the Radio Times about what the future held for the natural world and responded: “Christianity doesn’t help: we’re made in God’s image so everything is there to be exploited by us. It doesn’t help people’s attitudes.”

Mr Packham made his remarks in a joint interview with Bill Oddie, a former Springwatch presenter, to mark the tenth anniversary of the programme. Mr Packham is involved with numerous conservation charities including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) of which he is a vice president.

But Chris Fegan, the general secretary of Catholic Concern for Animals, replied: “These comments are misinformed and very unfortunate.” He added: “I will be pleased to speak to Mr Packham to give him a full briefing on what our members do day in, day out, for the welfare of the animal kingdom.”

And a spokeswoman for Christian Ecology Link responded: “We think Chris Packham may be a little out of touch with modern church teaching on Creation,” explaining that there is “a strong conservation tradition among Christians of all denominations”.

Separately, Pope Francis took up the issue of Creation during his general audience on Wednesday. “Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is it the property of only a few,” he said. “Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude.” He also referred to his namesake St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. A spokesman for the RSPB said that Mr Packham was speaking in a “personal capacity”.