14 items

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  Decolonizing Thanksgiving

  "As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the United States, it’s great to think about all the things we can be grateful for. It is good to have a time to pause and reflect, to participate in the seasonality of gratitude for the year’s bountiful harvest, and to gather with family and friends. (We’ll ignore the über-consumerism of the day following Thanksgiving…)
  
  Many of us probably know by now, however, that the story many of us learned in school about the first Thanksgiving is rather inaccurate at best, and racist and paternalistic in many ways, with a focus on the Manifest Destiny idea of the divine mandate for Europeans to conquer the “New World” in the name of Christ and country.
  
  A few questions come to mind (at least my mind), for those of us with European-American roots, such as:
  
  Should we even celebrate Thanksgiving, since it’s so tainted with colonialism?
  What might it look like to “decolonize” our own understandings and our culture?
  How can we do this work in a way that encourages our own folks to partner, rather than making them (our White brethren) feel further ostracized, but while also speaking real truth?
  What can we do this Thanksgiving to begin to reconcile relationships damaged in the colonial era, both human to human and human to this land?"
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  Prayers and Meditations for UNCOP28

  "Our invitation to you and request of you on behalf of the ILC? We encourage people of all faiths to offer their prayers and meditations towards a beneficial UNCOP 28.
  Our prayer and meditation around the world has helped the previous COP’s .This was the feedback we have received. The picture above is of Prayer and Meditation at COP26 in Glasgow. Not pictured are those who offered their spiritual practice at that time from many other places in the world. Our invitation is that we continue what we have begun with a renewed sincerity of commitment."
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  The World on Fire: A Buddhist Response to the Environmental Crisis

  The World on Fire: A Buddhist Response to the Environmental Crisis by Katie Javanaud explores how Buddhist teachings can inspire environmental activism. Javanaud examines key Buddhist sermons, such as the "Fire Sermon," which metaphorically portrays the world consumed by the flames of greed, hatred, and delusion, resonating deeply with contemporary environmental challenges.
  
  Greed is identified as a driving force behind the environmental crisis, fueling overconsumption and disregard for ecological balance. Javanaud illustrates how Buddhist principles offer insights to counteract societal norms of materialism and promote mindful living.
  
  The article addresses common objections to applying Buddhist teachings to environmentalism, providing valuable perspectives for those interested in integrating spirituality with environmental activism. This article serves as a concise introduction to Buddhist environmentalism, offering clarity on the compatibility of Buddhist values with ecological stewardship.
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  Why Conservative Christians Don’t Believe in Climate Change

  "American Christians have become increasingly polarized on issues of climate change and environmental regulation. In recent years, mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church have made explicit declarations of support for global climate action. Prominent Southern Baptists and other evangelical Protestants, on the other hand, have issued statements that are strikingly similar to the talking points of secular climate skeptics, and have attempted to stamp out 'green' efforts within their own ranks. An analysis of resolutions and campaigns by evangelicals over the past 40 years shows that anti-environmentalism within conservative Christianity stems from fears that 'stewardship' of God's creation is drifting toward
  neo-pagan nature worship, and from apocalyptic beliefs about 'end times' that make it pointless to worry about global warming. As the climate crisis deepens, the moral authority of Christian leaders and organizations may play a decisive role in swaying public policy toward (or away from) action to mitigate global warming."
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  Taoist monks find new role as environmentalists

  This article details the efforts of Taoist leaders in China to incorporate sustainability in Taoist temples and promote a culture of environmentalism. Since 2006, the Daoist Ecological Protection Network has gained the support of 120 temples who have converted to the use of solar panels and biofuels. Taoist monks noticed many people to be ignorant towards their environmental impact, living a life of hyper-materialism. Monks wanted to help educate society about the actions that can be taken to ameliorate environmental issues both at the temples and in daily life. This pursuit is driven by a fundamental belief in Taoism to live in harmony with nature, a value that could have large impacts on society if adopted.
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  How Religion Intersects With Americans' View on the Environment

  Through this study, they intended to obtain information about how religious Americans view climate change. This article explains the results of a survey. It shows how some religious Americans express little concern about climate change, and carry the belief that “there are much bigger problems in the world, that God is in control of the climate.” Additionally, some say that “they do not believe the climate is actually changing.” This survey also sheds light on other concerns religious Americans carry, such as fear surrounding the consequences of environmental regulations (fewer jobs, increased energy prices, and loss of individual freedoms).
  Additionally, the survey extends to other religious affiliations as well as the religiously unaffiliated population.
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  Turning Around Our Relationship with Earth is a Teshuvah Project 

  The author recounts an unsettling encounter with a utility worker who downplayed the environmental harm of her gas leak. From here, she explains the true negative impacts of methane emissions on both people and the climate, and encourages us to act in a way that "turns around our relationship with Earth". She connects this with the Jewish tradition of Teshuvah, the time in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kuppur meant for repentance.
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  Care for Creation - Catholic Conference of Ohio

  "The Catholic Bishops of Ohio invite you to study the issues related to the stewardship of God’s creation. Care for the environment is a fundamental principle within Catholic Social Teaching. We applaud efforts already underway in many Catholic homes and institutions that help conserve energy, protect the environment, and advance a greater understanding of faithful stewardship. We hope that Catholic families and institutions around the state will continue in such efforts."
  
  This resource includes a statement calling to care for God's creation and contains information and links to several other resources related to religion and environmentalism.
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  Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore

  This resource contains a series of vignettes following Elizabeth Rush as she meets people all around American who have been affected in some way by global sea rising, as well as some of her own personal experiences. She gives voice to those otherwise not heard, and shares eye opening testimonials from those who experience the effects firsthand.
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  In Threatened Island Nation, Pope Hears Plea for Climate Action

  Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea, a Pacific Island nation facing serious environmental issues including water pollution, sea level rise, and deforestation. This continued his involvement in the discussion on climate change as he met with governor general Bob Dadae and spoke at meetings. The article covers the Pope's visit, the environmental challenges facing Papua New Guinea, and the ties between religious positions and care for the environment and people who are affected by climate change.
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  How Religion Influences Our Relationship With the Environment

  The article shows how religious change can effect trends in the environment and how it can produce better environmental conditions attitudes. It lists statistics on which countries have certain environmental issues and how religion may play a role in certain situations.
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  5 reasons why people of faith are a powerful force in the fight against climate change and environmental crises

  This article is from the environmental outreach group Greenpeace. It highlights why religious groups globally have a powerful voice in climate justice. It is a digestible first article if you want to familiarize yourself with religious environmental activism.
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  52 Ways to Care for Creation: January 2024

  "Download the January 2024 52 Ways to Care for Creation bulletin insert! Use this resource to deepen your congregation’s commitment to creation justice. Each week highlights a creation justice idea for action or reflection for yourself and your community."
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  Golden Temple, Grey Air: Pollution in Amritsar

  This article describes how increasing tourist activity and reliance on the Bhgatanwala dumping site is creating air pollution that is threatening the integrity of the Golden Temple in India. While the Management Committee Golden Temple (SGPC) has taken action to reduce pollution from its kitchen and energy production, the government is failing to intervene and reduce pollution in surrounding areas.