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Ministers Training 2016: Gospel in the Ecological Crisis
June 6 – June 10, 2016
Union Theological Seminary – New York
Program Announcement
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
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)