Eco-Justice Workshops
The biblical concept of Shalom contains an ecological imperative. Peace on Earth means peace with Earth. Eco-justice bridges the historical division between ecological concerns and social concerns, exploring how Christians are called to heal the entire Earth community, human and non-human alike, so that there is "enough for all Creation."
Saturday, March 14th
10:45 - 12:15am: Track Time IPolitics, Policy, and Faith. Tyler Edgar, Assistant Director of Climate Change and Energy at the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs, will provide details about specific legislation and ways to be an effective advocate. Participants will delve into current scientific findings and explore environmental justice aspects of climate change domestically and abroad. The workshop consider climate change as a Christian concern, and why there is reason for hope.
Speakers: Tyler Edgar, Jim Barrett, Rev. Michael McClain
Theology of Ecology: Jordan Blevins, Assistant Director of the Eco-Justice Program Office, Fritz Gutwein, Haiti Reborn: a program of the Quixote Center, and Drew Sutton, Wesley Seminary, will lead an exploration of religious practices and theological concepts relating to eco-justice.
Speakers: Jordan Blevins, Fritz Gutwein, Drew Sutton
3:45 - 5:30pm: Track Time IILuther in Latin America. Join with Lutheran lay leaders as they recount their recent mission experiences in Nicaragua. From Hurricane Mitch to the effects of globalization and the migration of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, this biologically diverse country has much to teach us about human/earth interdependence. Participants will examine climate change impacts from a Latin American perspective as the leaders share their experience, observations, and learning from this geographical and spiritual pilgrimage.
Speakers: TBD
Sunday, March 15th
2:00 - 3:30pm: Track Time IIIThe Utility of Economics in Environmental Decision Making. Economics is more than just a powerful and useful tool for environmental policy design and analysis. It is also the dominant frame in which all environmental policy is debated. Constructs such as efficiency and cost-benefit analysis are the critical metrics we now use to determine not only how, but whether we tackle environmental problems. This is the challenge and opportunity we face.
Speakers: James Barrett, Ph.D. economist and expert on climate, energy, and environmental policy will discuss the contribution of economics in safeguarding the environment and the danger inherent in this powerful discipline.
A Low-Carbon Light unto the Nations:
Practical steps to greening your lives and your congregations. Learn about the impacts that our everyday activities have on God's Creation. Together we will discover ways we can reduce our individual carbon footprints and become empowered to transform our own lives to reflect our Christian values of stewardship and justice. Find out how to increase the energy efficiency of your church and equip yourself to share what you've learned with your congregation.
Speakers: Lizzie McGurk