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The Gospel in the Ecological Crisis
June 6, 2016 - June 10, 2016
A Training for Christian Clergy
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York
3041 Broadway New York, NY 10027
June 6-10, 2016
From the California drought to Missouri floods to changing growing seasons across America, climate change is already affecting our country and world. The deeper ecological crisis known to front-line communities for decades is also coming to greater attention: toxic drinking water, collapse in fisheries, soil erosion, and oil and gas leaks have all received recent news coverage. Historically, the church has met world affairs with discernment, seeking to carry out the teachings of Jesus according to the material context of the age. What is the role of the Church in this moment? How can Christian clergy help their congregations profess the Good News in a changing world?
On June 6-10 2016, the Center for Earth Ethics and the Climate Reality Project will train 35 priests, ministers, preachers, pastors, nuns, and evangelists to recognize and address the impacts of climate change in their congregations and communities. Convened with the assistance of partner organizations that include the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, Green for All, GreenFaith, Care of Creation, the Sophia Institute, the Kairos Center for Rights and Religion, the Franciscan Action Network, the NAACP, and Creation Justice Ministries, the topics will include:
- What the Bible says about the Earth
- The church’s role in disaster preparedness and recovery
- Case studies of Christian witness for environmental justice
- The scientific background of climate change
- Pastoral care for grief and despair
- Sustainability education in the church setting
- Connections between existing ministries of mercy and justice and the environment
Eligibility: Christian clergy serving congregations half- or full-time, or the equivalent if serving multiple congregations, are eligible for this training. Ordained Christian chaplains and members of religious orders (nuns, monks) are also eligible.
Cost: The program will cover housing (shared guest rooms) and meals at no cost to participants, as well as any necessary travel within New York City. Limited assistance may be available for participants who are unable to afford transportation to New York.
Where: Union Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
When: June 6-10, 2016
Confirmed presenters and instructors: Vice President Al Gore (Climate Reality Project), Sister Simone Campbell (NETWORK), Jacqui Patterson (NAACP), Rev. Leo Woodberry, Tim DeChristopher (Climate Disobedience Center), Rev. Ed Brown (Care of Creation), and more.
Applications are closed for this year’s program. Applicants will be notified of decisions by April 1.
If you have any questions, please contact Shay O’Reilly: soreilly@centerforearthethics.org, 212-280-1425.
