News Items

The Forum regularly posts news articles of interest here from a variety of sources and news outlets. You can check back here or view the most recent ones from the homepage. We also archive these articles here, for those doing research, with news going back to 2006. Use the menu on the right to explore the archived articles.

News

Papal Message on Peace and Environment Emphasizes Humanity's Responsibility

Full title: Papal Message on Peace and the Environment Emphasizes Humanity’s Responsibility to Safeguard the Environment

January 26, 2010
United Nations Environment Programme

Nairobi - The Vatican’s permanent diplomatic representative to Kenya on Tuesday re-emphasized humanity’s intrinsic connection to the environment and the well being of the planet.

Keeping the eco-faith

January 25, 2010
By James Catford
The Washington Post

Copenhagen, just over one month ago, was a success - both for myself and the Bible Society in the UK. I’m not referring to the climate conference itself with its disappointing political outcomes. What I refer to is the success of those who made their voices heard in the build-up to the conference.

Religious talk to fight climate change

January 25, 2010
By Helen Grady
Analysis, BBC Radio 4

If the case for tackling climate change is backed by science, why do so many green campaigners rely on the language of religion?

I am looking at a clock that is counting down the months, days, hours and minutes until planet Earth reaches “the point of no return”.

As I type, we have 83 months...

Indians keep faith with Ganges despite pollution

By Yasmeen Mohiuddin 
AFP

KANPUR, India – For India’s devout Hindus, the sacred River Ganges is always clean and always pure – even if its waters are a toxic stew of human sewage, discarded garbage and factory waste.

The belief that the Ganges washes away sin entices millions of Hindus into the river each year, and huge crowds of pilgrims are currently passing through the...

Pastors in Northwest Find Focus in 'Green'

January 16, 2010
By William Yardley
The New York Times

MILLWOOD, Wash. — State auditors told Millwood Community Presbyterian Church last summer to close its farmers’ market on the church parking lot or the lot could no longer be claimed as tax-exempt. Without hesitation, the church kept the market and paid the $700 in annual taxes.

Money is tight, but the locally...

Forest Monks

January 15, 2010
By Lucky Severson
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly

News video: 

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/january-15-2010/forest-monks/5472/

Transcript of video:

LUCKY SEVERSON, correspondent: This ragtag parade in...

US cult of greed is now a global environmental threat

January 13, 2010
By Suzanne Goldenberg
The Guardian

Hindus urged to consider environment as they wash away sins

January 13, 2010
By Harmeet Shah Singh
CNN

New Delhi, India (CNN) – The small print in Tuesday’s full-page newspaper advertisements for a key Hindu event reflects one of India’s biggest worries – dirty water.

“Avoid using pollutants such as detergents and soaps in the holy Ganga,” reads one of the don’ts at the bottom of the government ad.

It comes as hundreds of...

Pope denounces failure to forge new climate treaty

January 11, 2010
By Nicole Winfield
Associated Press

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI denounced the failure of world leaders to agree to a new climate change treaty in Copenhagen last month, saying Monday that world peace depends on safeguarding God’s creation.

He issued the admonition in a speech to ambassadors accredited to the Vatican, an annual appointment during...

Boosting Biodiversity Can Boost Global Economy

Full title:

Boosting Biodiversity Can Boost Global Economy: 2010 is Litmus Test of International Community’s Resolve to Conserve and Enhance Planet’s Natural Assets

January 11, 2010
United Nations Environment Programme

UN’s International Year of Biodiversity Kicks Off in Berlin

Berlin/Nairobi - A new and more intelligent pact between humanity...

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