Dr. Betty Holley, Contributing Writer
Who would have ever surmised that the issue of climate justice would weave together science and theology—two unsuspecting disciplines? In the face of the looming climate challenges, many persons are at a loss as to how to grapple with this “now” crisis! If we are truthful, many people may feel anger, anxiety, or nothing at all about how to deal with this pressing matter. Due to our feeling of powerlessness, especially when it comes to climate issues, we are not sure how to engage around this threatening entity to Earth, our only home. Climate change is a global societal crisis. It is happening in everybody’s back and front yard.
So, how can church leaders, clergy, and laity, help people engage the climate crisis? How can Christians work side-by-side with scientists to address climate change? From June 13-15, 2022, Creation Justice Ministries (CJM) will host an exciting training opportunity in collaboration with Duke University Marine Lab and the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions entitled “Pastoral Care for Climate: Weaving Science and Theology for Justice.” This in-person retreat is free for all pastors and ministry leaders. This transformational experience aims to weave together scientific, theological, and ministerial approaches to climate change with a major goal of connecting pastors, lay leaders, and climate scientists around climate change.
All Christian leaders (clergy and lay) are eligible to apply. However, priority will be given to those in the coastal areas of the Southeastern United States. The application deadline is April 31, 2022. Creation Justice Ministries (formerly the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Group Program) represents the creation care and environmental justice policies of major Christian denominations, which includes the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Also included are 38 national faith bodies, including Protestant denominations and Orthodox communions, regional faith groups, and individual congregants to protect and restore God’s Creation.
“Creation justice” is such an appropriate name for Creation Justice Ministries. Pope Francis’s views reflect a historic and evolving current among faith traditions. This current regards environmental consciousness and social justice as intimately intertwined. As part of this prophetic current, the language of “creation justice” has emerged. The word “creation” inherently evokes meanings that transcend artificial divides between the “human” and “nature.” “Creation” signals the truth of our interconnected reality. Moreover, it evokes the sacred story of origin that speaks to our common connection to God and our common connection to each other. As Genesis 9:15 reminds us, God’s covenant is not only with humans but also with “every living creature.” Within this covenantal understanding of the web of life, the emphasis on justice arises as a central guiding impulse. If the word “creation” signals the totality of relationships with God, then creation justice signals the movement toward right relationships among all of God’s creation.
Building on the concept of eco-justice, creation justice entails an integrated, holistic ecology. It entails an understanding of the world which includes the built environment, culture, economic and political activity, and all of humanity as part of God’s creation. Because of the connotations and meanings of the phrase creation justice, Creation Justice Ministries adopted it as a part of its naming. More recently, the United Church of Christ has named their green church recognition program “Creation Justice Churches,” while the American Baptists have developed a “Creation Justice Network.” Advocates are waiting on what the African Methodist Episcopal Church will legislate to raise and sustain the consciousness of its congregants around environmental issues and problems.
