Dr. Tim Van Meter is an Associate Professor at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) where he also serves as the Coordinator for Ecological Initiatives. He talked about a recent curriculum design change at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio where eco-theology is now offered as a course, because they wanted students to know how important this area of study was to the institution. He provided some examples of what the course included, such as the reading of Forrest Henderson’s The Intimate Distance of Herons and a soil testing exercise. He noted that this class often ended in a spontaneous eruption of joy, in part because of the appreciation of the topic and the appreciated diversity of the participants. He noted that there was a need for this course and engagement was very high. He also shared that as we navigate climate change, it is imperative for the church to address it. He emphasized that education plays an important role in spreading the word and creating spiritual solutions.

Dr. Rebecca Copeland works in Christian theology, ethics, and biblical studies, focusing on the intersection of religion and ecology at Boston University School of Theology. Her program helps students connect ecological justice with the other interests they may have in their theological pursuits. The program includes a variety of opportunities including developing a research colloquy on “watershed discipleship.” The program hosts students from all over the world and one of the students at the school experienced a tragic consequence of the collateral damage from environmental destruction as he was killed in the Congo due to violence caused by the illegal extraction of coltan, which is needed for cell phones. In the Watershed Discipleship class, students are asked to spend fifteen minutes in one place in nature so they can develop a relationship with a specific place in nature, which is transformative. They also offer a Religion and Climate Change class. Additionally they host a series of one-credit skills-building classes that are experientially-based using different topics, education, and spiritual mindset. Their year ends with a capstone project that ties everything together with their vocational aspirations. The school plans to work with the New England Conference to offer disaster preparedness and response for the future.

Dr. Tim Eberhart is the Robert and Marilyn Degler McClean Associate Professor of Ecological Theology and Practice at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he directs the school’s Center for Ecological Regeneration. The Center offers students an opportunity to earn a Masters in Divinity and other degrees. It also includes classes on ecological theology, regenerative ethics, organizing for environmental justice, and earth ministry for ecological renewal. The classes can also be completed for a certificate. The seminary has been certified as a green seminary and the board voted to fully divest from fossil fuel investments. 

Dr. Eberhart noted that there is a realization that we are in a state of deep emergency. The Center also exists to spread the word about eco-generational understandings, earth-based religious practices, and solidarity for the healing of the wounded socio-ecological relationships in the Midwest and beyond. Its mission is to help religious leaders understand some of the deep anti-ecological roots of the crises we are dealing with in today’s age, doing so by promoting more life-giving, just, and spiritual philosophies. Dr. Eberhart shared that while this work is global, it is best done in specific geographical places. Garrett’s focus is in the Midwest bioregion. The Center began with an Indigenous Study Committee and produced a report on reparative actions that can be taken.

Eberhart also led a class entitled, Hope for Creation in a Climate-Changed World, at Hennepin Avenue UMC in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to help members of the local congregation tie their vocational pathway into this work.

Rev. Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and the Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility. He is working with others to create a United Methodist Higher Education Climate Justice Network. He cited the importance of the collaboration of churches, seminaries, annual conferences, and other institutions in this work. He also pointed to the value that a partnership with the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities brings to this effort. The presidents of these institutions come together twice a year to collaborate and partner with the network. He said it was important to partner with and include those connections from Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as those in the international community.

When asked about how those who were interested in getting involved with this type of work should do so, he noted that he has a group that meets monthly and encouraged those interested to reach out to him. Those who wish to engage in classwork should reach out to seminaries directly as they should be receptive to participation.

 

The Café held breakout rooms with the speakers before it concluded.

Below are links cited in the Café:

Links from September and October Café:

Worship and music and curriculum resources from the Creation Justice Movement— https://umcreationjustice.org/library/