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The U.S. Baha'i Office of Public Affairs

The Office of Public Affairs for the Baha’is of the United States was founded in 1985 to represent the American Baha’i community on the national stage.

Today, we collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations, individuals, and groups to advance thought around our focus areas, which currently comprise racial unity & justice, the environment, economic justice, human rights, the role of media in society, and gender equality & the advancement of women.

Our Office operates under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, the elected governing body of the American Baha’i community.

Indigenous environmental justice and sustainability

Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability
Volume 43, April 2020, Pages 35-40

Sacred Watersheds and the Fate of the Village Body Politic in Tibetan and Han Communities Under China’s Ecological Civilization

Coggins studies the spiritual ecologies of Tibetan and Han communities in the People's Republic of China. The Tibetan animism focuses on the protection of landscapes because of their relation to various deities and spirits. Han communities worked on creating fengshui forests to find balance a balance of qi in all things.

IRI Colombia continues far-reaching communications campaign to grow awareness on the importance of tropical forests

IRI Colombia continued its communications campaign to raise awareness about its mission and expand engagement in the 36 local chapters where IRI has a presence. IRI Colombia radio spots (which will run through the end of 2021) are being broadcast seven days a week on the country’s leading radio networks and will reach over 250,000 people. Listen to the radio spots in Spanish here.

IRI Colombia has also commissioned 10 billboards in strategic locations with messages like “Forest = water and oxygen” and “Plant a tree” to increase awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring tropical forests. The 36 IRI Colombia local chapters continue implementing their 2021 action plans, which include activities such as reforesting watersheds and springs, cleaning up riverbanks, and establishing tree nurseries.

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) Campaign Videos

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) creates artistic and well-produced videos that accompany their programs on climate change education and awareness-raising in branch offices around the world.

These videos are great resources for those looking for multimedia inspirations that amplify sustainability communications efforts.

Faith for Earth: A Call for Action

This book was first published at the beginning of the twenty-first century. A joint project of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Interfaith Partnership for the Environment, it was titled Earth and Faith: A Book of Reflection for Action. The partners printed tens of thousands of copies and gave them to schools, congregations, and communities throughout the
world. The book described the growing threats to our planet’s life support systems, the reverence all faiths share for life on Earth, and the responsibility that people have to future generations.

Zoom Events: Greening the Bible

The goal of this short course is to read the Bible afresh: to reinterpret texts of terror (for other creatures) and to reclaim passages that show the importance and agency of nonhuman persons. It is intended as a tool for forming earth-inclusive Christians.

ECHO Global Farm

ECHO introduces sustainable plants, climate-resilient techniques, and technologies to farmers around the world who are struggling to feed their families.

Through partnering with local NGOs, farmers, volunteers, and missionaries, ECHO is able to be efficient with their resources in providing aid where it's needed the most.

Empty bellies and empty hearts lead to pain and suffering for individuals, families, and communities across the world. ECHO believes that as active participants in the Great Commission and stewards of great agricultural knowledge, it is their duty to grow and make disciples.

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Faith Toolkits

According to their website, The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) "...is an international, multi-faith alliance that is working to bring moral urgency and faith-based leadership to efforts to end tropical deforestation." The IRI provides 8 unique "Faith Toolkits" to encourage the conservation of tropical forests and their inhabitants through guided reflections, prayers, meditations, lesson plans, and other teaching tools. Crafted to promote engagement with specific religions, the website provides kits for communities of the following faiths: Baha'i, Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Evangelicalism, and Protestantism.

Environmental Protection in Sikhism

In this article, Dr. Dalvinder Singh Grewal explains Sikhism's commitment to protecting humans and the environment, highlighting the organization "EcoSikh," a five-year plan created by the USA-based Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE). In this article, Grewal also translates portions of Japuji, the Sikh sacred verse written by Guru Nanak, which describes an integral relationship between nature and God. This article helps readers from any religious background gain a deeper understanding of Sikhism and its connection to the environment.

Conservation Good Turn

Conservation Good Turn is an article on the Boy Scouts of America website that describes the BSA's mission for conservation. As rooted in the Boy Scout tradition, conservation is an integral part of responsible citizenship. This article provides a general overview of scouting and its dedications, recognitions, and partnerships.

Green the Church: On a Mission of Faith for Sustainability

Green the Church: On a Mission of Faith and Sustainability is an article by Betsy Lopez-Wagner for the non-profit Earth Justice. The article details Green the Church's history and founding. Lopez-Wagner also brings into discussion the work that Green the Church is doing.

Bellwether Farm

Bellwether Farm is a Christian organization which applies Biblical principles of creation stewardship to land use sciences to provide hands-on environmental education to the public on responsible land use. Responsible land use benefits human society and the earth both physically and spiritually, and this beautiful farm offers programs that help to exemplify this principle. Bellwether Farm routinely partners with the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio to educate the members of its congregations on environmental stewardship.

United Women in Faith- Climate Justice

All creation is God’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it … God has granted us stewardship of creation. We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect.” (Social Principles, ¶160)

Protecting God’s creation and those who are disproportionately affected by global climate change is more than our belief; it is one of our core principles.

Religion and Ethics Focused On Sustainability

Yale student Dieter T. Hessel elaborates on how religion could solve sustainability issues all over the world. Eco-justice characteristics and values challenge everyone, both individually and collectively. Many religious leaders do not act urgently on environmental matters, which keeps the United States fueling global warming. But, religious environmentalism is on the rise in recent years. Christian denominations and many spiritual groups have realized the importance of "caring for creation".

Sikhism and Caring for the Environment in Practice

This article describes Sikh values and how they relate to Sikh environmental beliefs. The Sikhs believe that every man and woman, regardless of status or creed, is born with unalienable rights to happiness and liberty. This belief leads to the Sikh stance on environmental ethics, arguing that fighting climate change is a universal effort that can only be achieved with love and compassion for humanity in mind.

Muslim Hands

"We have long been prioritising environmental sustainability in all our projects. Many of the people in the developing world suffer the consequences of our irresponsible and indulgent lifestyle choices so it is our responsibility to be aware of the environmental impact that our actions have on others.

At Muslim Hands, we believe in operating projects in partnership with communities to deliver effective support that works in harmony with the surrounding environment. This means working locally to find sustainable solutions to the problems that people face.

This can take many forms. Rather than flooding markets with foreign produce, we purchase food, clothes and other necessities in the vicinity, or as close by as possible which reduces the carbon footprint and also boosts business for local traders.

Rather than clearing land for farming, we encourage the planting of orchards to bind the soil and provide people with a natural, long-term income source. Instead of using generators to produce electricity on new builds we use solar energy to reduce CO2 emissions. And environment forms an important part of our school curriculum, ensuring that the green message is passed onto future generations."

Green Muslims

"Green Muslims is a volunteer-driven 501(C)3 headquartered in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area working to connect Muslims everywhere to nature and environmental activism. We host educational, service, and outdoor recreational events and strive to serve as a bridge connecting the Muslim community with local climate action organizations."

Creation and Climate Care Zine

"If I want to talk to my church about climate change, where do I begin? How does climate affect migration today? Why is climate justice also racial justice? In what ways can I take real climate action on my own, and with my community? If you’ve ever wondered about any of these things, we’ve got you covered, friend. We're proud to present the story of creation care and climate justice…all wrapped up in doodle-filled, colorful, action-packed CREATION & CLIMATE CARE ZINE.

This new resource is an easy and engaging way to learn, to jumpstart conversations on climate change, and finally to act together in order to heal and protect our common home -- whether you live in Texas or New York, whether you’re 13 or 83 or anywhere in between."

A Service of Celebration: Celebrating 40 Years of Creation Justice Ministries

This event is "A Service of Celebration" in honor of the 40th anniversary of Creation Justice Ministries. There will be preaching, music, an offering, and a reception.

"The service will also be livestreamed. The link will be sent to registrants closer to the date. While there is no charge to attend, we ask you to register in advance.

Following the Service of Celebration, we will host a reception for everyone in attendance. We look forward to sharing fellowship with you all. Stay tuned for more information about refreshments and activities."

Jewish Earth Alliance Tisha B'Av Virtual Lobby Days

"Get ready to meet your Members of Congress on Tues and Wed July 25th and 26th, 2023, just before Tisha B'Av. No experience required.

We're scheduling convenient virtual half-hour meetings with your Members of Congress, so please register below. You can do this from wherever you are so don't worry if you are traveling."

The Black Church & the Environmental Age

This course, created by Green the Church, aims to help people learn about the relationship of Black Churches and their congregations with the environmental movement. It discusses environmental issues specific to Black communities and how Black Churches can be involved and mobilize around them.

Catholic Climate Covenant YouTube Page

This is the YouTube page for the Catholic Climate Covenant, containing several videos pertaining to their mission. Catholic Climate Covenant encourages US Catholics to care for creation and care for the poor.

Muslims for Climate Justice Conference

"In September 2023 inshaAllah, Muslims dedicated to ending the climate crisis will gather at a summit to hear from renowned scholars and inspirational change-makers. Together, we will form an unbreakable network bound by an Islamic framework and worship of Allah (SWT), utilizing values of empathy, innovation, and justice to invite Muslims into the global climate conversation."

Faithfully Sustainable

"We envision a world where young Muslims have the community support and necessary resources to create just and sustainable solutions grounded in Islam. Ultimately, these solutions will address the impact of climate injustice, protect the most vulnerable, and serve as a step forward for young Muslims to fulfill their divine duty towards people and the planet.

We equip young Muslims and allies with a strong community, and the educational and financial resources necessary for them to create just and sustainable solutions."

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