Search
301 items
-
MTSO and the intersection between faith and food.
At the Methodist Theology School in Ohio, there are several different organizations that focus on the act of sustainability and pro-environmental behaviors, one of these is the Community Food and Wellness Initiative. According to their website, their objectives included creating a stronger connection between the land, ourselves, and the community, as well as "supporting local participation in national and global food justice campaigns". The Community Food and Wellness Initiative also focuses on offering experiences to the community that will further their knowledge of the earth and food production. -
Seattle University Becomes the First Catholic, Jesuit University to Fully Divest from Fossil Fuels
"As of June 30, 2023, Seattle University (SU) has withdrawn all investments in fossil fuel companies from its endowment portfolio, becoming the first university in Washington state and the first Catholic, Jesuit university in the country to fulfill their commitment to divest from fossil fuels. SU is now charting a new course of socially conscious investing.
SU is a leader in the divestment and sustainability movements globally and nationally. In 2018, SU became the first Jesuit university in the country to pledge 100 percent withdrawal from publicly traded fossil fuel investments. Since then, six other Jesuit universities followed SU’s lead and made some level of commitment to divest, according to the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities..." -
Faith in Place Personal Reflection
"I consider the Waukegan Harbor and Beach the gem of my city. Nostalgia rushes back from my favorite memories at the lake. From running on the pier with my cross-country teammates to watching the most beautiful pink sunsets with a cone of ice cream in hand - it is still one of my favorite places to be today.
Growing up, I did not realize the factory on the shore of our beach was a coal plant polluting our air and water. I feared how much this coal plant might have affected me, my family, my friends, and the cherished gem of my community.
My work with Faith in Place is driven by my hope that future generations of Waukegan do not have to wonder and fear how the plant on their beach is affecting their health and environment. The Waukegan Harbor and Beach remains one of my favorite places in the city – but I’m excited to reimagine it without the coal plant on its shore.
Michelle Luu" -
Nature & the Environment
This statement, from the World Zoroastrian Organization, details the environmental perspectives, values, and practices in Zoroastrianism. The web page makes it clear that Zoroastrianism is largely grounded in a heightened environmental consciousness. -
Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action
Dayenu is an American Jewish organization that aims to create environmental change through political action. Dayenu members contact and persuade politicians to pursue climate change solutions. In addition, they partner with businesses and work to realign their investments to stop financially backing the fossil fuel institution. -
The Pope is Concerned About Climate Change: How Do U.S. Catholics Feel About It?
This recent study performed by Pew Research Center found that contrary to popular belief, Catholics in the United States are no more likely than Americans overall to view climate change as a serious issue (57%). Additionally, similar to splits observed in the wider U.S. population, views among Catholics differ based on age, race, and political views. Adults in the U.S. who are 49 or younger, Democratic, or identify as a race or ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White, are generally more likely than those who are 50 or older, Republican, or White to express concern about climate change. They are also significantly more likely to believe climate change is primarily caused by human activity. Ultimately, this study provides evidence that climate concern is more strongly tied to political partisanship rather than religion. -
Protecting nature, act of faith: Muslim women are leading the charge on climate activism
In this news article and accompanying interview, by the Canadian Broadcasting Association (CBC), they highlight a Muslim women, Memona Hossain, who identifies as a Muslim activist. In her research, she has found that religion can play a significant role in climate activism, often viewing it as empowerment, as a lot of the Muslim women she interviewed were involved with climate action because of their faith. These women believed that protecting nature was a form of worship and that they needed to take care of this gift from Allah, the Arabic word for God. -
A Movement Is Born: Environmental Justice and the UCC
After the ban of PCBs in the late 1970s, a landfill in Warren County, North Carolina had been designated as a place of disposal. This county had one of the highest rates of black residents, as well as poverty rates. This sparked leaders in the United Church of Christ including Dollie Burwell, Rev. Leon White, Rev. Benjamin Chavis Jr. and the UCC’s Commission for Racial Justice to become a leading force in the environmental justice movement. This article highlights the work of these leaders in fighting against environmental racism. -
Vermont Tibetan Buddhist Center to Host Commercial Solar Array
The Milarepa Center, a Tibetan Buddhist retreat located in Vermont, is entering the clean energy scene through their partnership with a local solar panel company. The proposed initiative is to host approximately 500-kilowatts of solar panels on the retreat's property, an endeavour that will provide clean energy to 135 homes in the neighboring area. The retreat center is a force for sustainability in the region, not only with this initiative, which passed unanimously by its board members, but in its commitment to the Buddhist tradition of bodhicitta, which is to bring peace and good will to all. It is important to note; however, that the Buddhist community, while being present within the environmental movement, does self-proclaim their need to improve, such as in attending protests or furthering initiatives like these solar panels on a greater scale. -
Indigenous Environmental Network
"Established in 1990 within the United States, IEN was formed by grassroots Indigenous peoples and individuals to address environmental and economic justice issues (EJ). IEN’s activities include building the capacity of Indigenous communities and tribal governments to develop mechanisms to protect our sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, health of both our people and all living things, and to build economically sustainable communities.IEN accomplishes this by maintaining an informational clearinghouse, organizing campaigns, direct actions and public awareness, building the capacity of community and tribes to address EJ issues, development of initiatives to impact policy, and building alliances among Indigenous communities, tribes, inter-tribal and Indigenous organizations, people-of-color/ethnic organizations, faith-based and women groups, youth, labor, environmental organizations and others. IEN convenes local, regional and national meetings on environmental and economic justice issues, and provides support, resources and referral to Indigenous communities and youth throughout primarily North America – and in recent years – globally." -
Fund for Front Line Power
"Frontline communities — those impacted first, worst, and for centuries by environmental injustice and sytemic racism — have long-recognized that the climate crisis is here.
As we witness the escalating impacts of compounding crises and the innovations of interconnected solutions, we must accelerate the flow of liberated self-determination capital, land stewardship, and resources to the grassroots.
We cannot solve the climate crisis with incremental actions, market-based schemes, or techno-fixes that perpetuate harm. We must root our future in economies and communities grounded in equity, justice, and well-being. Frontline communities have developed bold and practical solutions that do just that!" -
2023 Feast of St. Francis: The Way of Francis: Seeking Peace & Justice for All Creation
"This year’s program is designed to assist you, your family, parish, school, diocese, religious community, or other Catholic institution learn about Catholic nonviolence, and the "Franciscan" call to seek peace and justice for all of creation. The need to answer this call has become more and more urgent, as our planet, and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, are living the consequences of climate change and its associated economic and social disruptions. The 90-minute program enables U.S. Catholics to host in-person or virtual sessions to grow in their understanding and call to care for creation as integral to the Catholic faith through prayer, education and action." -
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President & CEO of Evangelical Environmental Network
"The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman is a climate and environmental scientist, pastor, educator, and advocate. She serves as the President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network and is a Board Member of the National Association of Evangelicals. Jessica received her Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has held research positions at John Hopkins University, University of Michigan, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where she researched how climate has changed throughout Earth’s history. Prior to joining EEN, Jessica was a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy." -
Season of Creation 2023: Let Justice and Peace Flow
"Prophet Isaiah proclaims: 'Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.' (Isaiah 43: 19) Biodiversity is being lost at a rate not seen since the last mass extinction. The futures of young people are threatened by the cascading impacts of the loss of biodiversity and a changing climate.
The urgency grows and we must make visible peace with Earth and on Earth, at the same time that justice calls us to repentance and a change of attitude and actions. As we join the river of justice and peace with others then hope is created instead of despair.
We invite you to use these resources and share them with your church, pastor or other regional authority to join the Season of Creation, and even spread the word to local media." -
A Call for Climate Justice this Season of Creation
"2023 Season of Creation Call to Action: Ask the Biden Administration to stop fossil fuel expansion and consider the forgiveness of debt of developing nations at COP 28. You can:
1. Organize a prayer service in an ecologically impacted place near you
2. Sign the forgiveness of debt letter (online) during the prayer service, or anytime during Season of Creation, and share it widely
3. Take a picture of the place and people gathered at the prayer service
4. Post your prayer service to social media tagging President Biden, Special Envoy Kerry, and Secretary Yellen (social media links and language here), and let them know we are #PrayingForYou to take strong action on fossil fuels and debt relief." -
Canary
"Witness the extraordinary life of Dr. Lonnie Thompson, an explorer who went where no scientist had gone before and transformed our idea of what is possible. Daring to seek Earth’s history contained in glaciers atop the tallest mountains in the world, Lonnie found himself on the frontlines of climate change—his life’s work evolving into a salvage mission to recover these priceless historical records before they disappear forever."
This movie will be released nation-wide September 2023, and will showcase the life and work of OSU climate scientist Lonnie Thompson--Thompson also had a near-death experience following a heart transplant, and persevered with a new perspective of faith in his scientific endeavors. -
The Green Lectionary podcast
"Over the weeks of the Season of Creation we will be launching the Green Lectionary podcast, a conversation on scripture through the lens of creation justice. We have invited scholars, activists and preachers to join the CJM staff in discussing how we might preach well known passages with an eye towards caring for all that God has made." -
Adamah on Campus
"Adamah on Campus combines climate activism with Jewish tradition, identity, culture, and values to build community among Jewish students passionate about climate justice. In the wake of increasing climate disasters and anti-Semitism, young Jews know intimately the anxieties and challenges of growing up in a world rife with injustice and an uncertain future. Adamah on Campus provides a Jewish organizing home for these young college activists to feel: empowered in their identity, supported by a network of peers, Jewishly connected, and engaged in the current issues of our time." -
Partners Meeting with EEN
The Evangelical Environmental Network's Thriving Creation, Thriving Congregations partners program seeks to educate participants on the scriptural basis for environmental care, as well as the relevant science and policy, in order to drive cultural and behavioral change in their congregations and policy change on the local, state, and national level.
We are looking for Christ followers in the Columbus area who are ready to take their activism to the next level through community building, civic engagement, and faithful advocacy! Deadline to RSVP is Friday Sept 8th 5pm. -
Laudato Si' 2.0: Pope announces new document ahead of 'Season of Creation'
This article talks about the upcoming release of Pope Francis' next document about the Christian faith and honoring our planet. In his new book, Laudato Si' 2.0, Pope Francis is tackling the current climate crisis. His main goal for this piece is to expand on the climate crisis issues that have come to front since his 2015 version of Laudato Si'. This anticipated release comes with the beginning of the "Season of Creation", a time to reflect and honor our planet. -
Earthbeat: A Project of National Catholic Reporter
"The climate is changing, posing serious questions and consequences for the planet and people both today and in the future. The issues are complex, with significant action required of each of us and all of us.
As more people view climate change as not just a crisis, but a matter of moral urgency, it's clear that religion plays a role.
We at EarthBeat, a project of National Catholic Reporter, are here to tell that story: how Catholics and other faith groups speak out and take action. Where ecological concern and moral conviction meet, well, that's our beat.
We pursue EarthBeat’s journalism with the same independence that underlines all of what National Catholic Reporter does. But it is an unusual story that rivets our attention in one direction in particular: What can be done to help save the planet. We invite your participation — in the work of EarthBeat, specifically, and more broadly in the larger challenge facing us all." -
Faith and the Environmental Movement: A Franciscan Perspective
This blog post was written by a member of WE ACT, which is an environmental justice-based organization located in Harlem, NYC. The post discusses the relationship between Catholicism and environmentalism. The author argues that Catholics are key environmental changemakers because Catholic teachings and religious leaders, like Pope Francis, emphasize protection for God's creation and care for the poor. -
Methodist Church Climate Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions
The United Methodist Church has acknowledged their responsibility in climate action. They have committed to converting all facilities associated with the church to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. They provide an explanation for this commitment based on scripture. -
How faith can inspire environmental action
As majority of the world associates with a religion, we can see how it effects one's view on nature. As climate change is becoming more and more of a problem, faith and religion can be a driving factor in making a change. What isn't talked about enough is how faith and religion can strike social environmental change. Faith and religion point of views on the environment can lead people to think about the environment as sacred, with compassion, empathy, and kindness. We can make progress on climate change with the help of faith and religions. -
Environmental underpinnings in Rosh Hashanah Liturgy: We are stewards of our world…take better care of the earth!
David Golinkin explains in this article the connection between the Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah, and environmentalism. He explains certain Jewish phrases and their significance in respect to our responsibility to the world.

























