The connection between faith leaders and ecological justice is emerging as an important consideration for improving equity and access in sustainability. The Luce Fund for Theological Education awarded Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) funds to extend ecological engagement throughout the life of theological schools. MTSO then partnered with the GreenFaith/Green Seminary Initiative (GSI) to expand their three-year campus certification process. A full institutional audit was conducted to determine current ecological engagement in 14 schools entering the GSI environmental certification. This audit surveyed curriculum, governance, buildings and grounds, food service and the institution’s understanding of mission in relation to ecological justice. From these, Interview questions on curriculum and the larger institutional life were constructed for faculty and administrators at a variety of theological schools (primarily Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish). Questions concerned ecology-justice connections, ecology understanding and ecology education sources used. Do participants use scientific reports, peer-reviewed articles, and living scientists?; how do respondents understand the idea of “Acts of God” in natural events? How do theological and justice commitments shape institutional sustainability practices and views on fossil fuels and divestment. Is resistance to ecological learning political, theological, economic, or from other commitments? An MTSO-hosted conference increased the level of engagement by featuring scientists in a keynote by paleoclimatologist, Dr. Lonnie Thompson, and a panel working on food security, water quality, and climate change.
Results/Conclusions
The engagement with ecological science and its connection to the practice of justice in the world was rated by the conference registrants as the most important element and will be duplicated in future regional conferences. The work began with an Initial cohort of 5, with additional cohorts gradually being added to now total 14. Engaging the initial cohort of 14 was a catalyst for deepening the research and increasing participation of other seminaries. The majority of schools find that ecology is part of their understanding of “doing” justice in the world. Secondarily, all schools expressed the desire for stronger relationships with ecologists, as well as a strong desire to have their institutions live out of commitment towards sustainability, to live more carefully within their space. Further surveys will enable research with schools that are not yet part of this process. There is a possibility of adding future cohorts. The strong interest and partnerships between theological schools and engaged ecologists is forming an important bridge for addressing climate change, water quality, and ecological restoration.