April 2010

The Forum on Religion and Ecology Newsletter
4.4 (April 2010)

Contents:

1. Editorial, by Sam Mickey & Elizabeth McAnally

2. Call for Submissions: Global Oneness Book Project on “What Connects Us?”

3. “Hope for Creation: A Live Simulcast Event” (April 21, 2010)

4. Invitation to “Renewal L.A.” (April 25, 2010, Los Angeles, CA, USA)

5. New Books

6. Events

7. Call for Papers for the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture Conference on ‘Living on the Edge’ (December 16-19, 2010, University of Western Australia)

8. Call for Papers for Conference on “Ahimsa and Sustainability” (November 12-14, 2010, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA)

9. Eco-volunteers required for TV Series on ‘How Green Is Your Deen?’

10. Faculty Position Opening in Science and Religion at Harvard Divinity School  

11. Worldviews: Global Religions, Culture, and Ecology



  

 

1. Editorial, by Sam Mickey & Elizabeth McAnally

Greetings!

Welcome to the April issue of the newsletter for the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale. This month, we have a lot of exciting news to share with you about recent and upcoming developments in the field of religion and ecology, including conferences, calls for papers, job and volunteer opportunities, and more. 

We would like to point out an upcoming event, “The Opportunity of Crisis: Imagining Economic Systems Inclusive of the Planet and her People.” Taking place in New York City on April 19, the event focuses on possibilities for developing economic systems that are sustainable and just. Mary Evelyn Tucker will give the keynote address for this event. For more information, visit: http://fore.research.yale.edu/calendar/item/the-opportunity-of-crisis-imagining-economic-systems-inclusive-of-the-plane.

There are many other noteworthy events happening in the near future. We would like to direct your attention to two events in particular, both of which will be held in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, held on April 22nd every year since 1970. The environmental non-profit organization Blessed Earth is hosting a live simulcast event happening on April 21. Broadcast from Northland Church in Orlando, Florida, the simulcast explores biblical teachings on caring for God’s creation, and it involves participation from thousands of churches and religious leaders of various denominations. For more information, visit: www.blessedearth.org.  

Another Earth Day celebration is “Renewal L.A.,” an event taking place in Los Angeles, California on April 25. The event celebrates interfaith environmental solidarity, and it will feature the Los Angeles premiere of Renewal, the groundbreaking film on the religious-environmental movement. The event will also feature diverse religious leaders and several guest speakers, concluding with a call for religious communities to defend California’s Global Warming Solutions Act. For more information, please visit: http://renewalproject.net/events/event/renewal_l.a.

One interesting development in religion and ecology comes from a collaborative effort between the Islam Channel and the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES). These groups are developing a television series on environmental issues for Muslim teenagers called “How Green Is Your Deen?” The series addresses topics such as climate change, water issues, recycling, and more. Volunteers are needed to assist in the production of the series. For more information on the series and on possible voluntary jobs, see below.

We are also pleased to inform you about the Global Oneness Book Project, which has issued a global call for submissions. This book project aims to express experiences of deep connection in a collection of personal stories and photographs from around the world. This international project affirms the power of stories to shape the world we live in and the power of deep connection in grounding our sense of shared responsibility, care, and belonging in one Earth community. For More Information, visit: http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/publication.

The Global Oneness Book Project is an effort of the Earth Charter Initiative, which works toward presenting a shared vision of values and principles for a sustainable global society.  The Earth Charter is an international declaration that has been endorsed by numerous individuals and organizations, including groups from faith communities, universities, city and national governments, non-governmental organizations, and many more. The Earth Charter articulates principles that counter the destructive aspects of globalization and ground the emergence of a more peaceful and just global society, a sustainable society founded on a shared vision that embraces democratic political participation, human rights, nonviolence, social and economic equity, ecological integrity, and respect for life. For more information on the Earth Charter, please visit: http://www.earthcharter.org.  It is our hope that this newsletter participates in this shared vision and supports the efforts of individuals and communities to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable Earth community.

Warm wishes,
Sam Mickey & Elizabeth McAnally
California Institute of Integral Studies
Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale
Web Content Managers & Newsletter Editors
http://www.yale.edu/religionandecology
news@religionandecology.org



2. Call for Submissions: Global Oneness Book Project on “What Connects Us?”

Global Oneness Book Project:

WHAT CONNECTS US?

 A Global Call for Submissions

Deadline: May 1, 2010

For More Information, visit: www.earthcharterinaction.org/publication

You are invited to reflect on personal experiences of deep connection
With a neighbor, a stranger,
With a tradition, culture, community,
With a place, a mountain, or a passing butterfly,
With the Earth
With Life

We are gathering personal stories and photos from every region of the world on the theme of connection, and will publish selected submissions in a book, to be released internationally in 2010. This project was born out of a firm belief in the power of stories to shape the world we live in, and the core importance of moments of deep connection to our sense of shared responsibility, care, and belonging in one Earth community.

Please share with us your voice, your images, and your inspiration!

This publication is a global action project of the Earth Charter Initiative, and is being implemented in the spirit of Earth Charter’s broader Campaign for Intergenerational Partnership for Sustainability. You can find out more at www.earthcharter.org.


3. “Hope for Creation: A Live Simulcast Event” (April 21, 2010)
 
Wilmore, KY – One night, one message: The Church United. On Wednesday, April 21, 2010, the eve of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, the non-profit organization Blessed Earth and other prominent partners will host a live, one-night-only simulcast event, “Hope for Creation: A Live Simulcast Event.” The event begins at 7:30 p.m. (EDT) and lasts for one hour. You can view the event trailer at www.blessedearth.org.

Thousands of churches and religious leaders of various denominations will participate in the largest faith- based gathering that will include live musical performances, interactive audience participation, and an exclusive preview of forthcoming Blessed Earth video series “Hope for Creation,” which explores the biblical vision for care of the planet.

The simulcast will be broadcast from Northland Church in Orlando, FL, the 12th largest church in America, with its lead pastor Dr. Joel Hunter serving as the moderator. Dr. Matthew and Nancy Sleeth, the founders of the environmental nonprofit Blessed Earth, will host “Hope for Creation,” which will include biblical teaching on caring for the God’s creation, fellowship and call to action regarding caring for the Earth.

One night. One message. The Church united.

Visit BlessedEarth.org to find out how to participate.


 
4. Invitation to “Renewal L.A.” (April 25, 2010, Los Angeles, CA, USA)

California Interfaith Power and Light (CIPL) and the documentary producers of Renewal are coordinating an interfaith event to honor the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. “Renewal L.A.” will make a powerful statement to Southern California as well as the nation, that religious communities can experience a reinvigoration of faith as they speak out about climate change and environmental justice.

This inspiring evening of interfaith environmental solidarity will feature the Los Angeles premiere of Renewal, diverse religious leaders joining together in sacred expression of care for the earth, and several guest speakers including Bill McKibben, Mary Nichols (Chair, California Air Resources Board), Robin Nelson (Unitarian Universalist Association), and a representative from California Interfaith Power and Light.

The event will conclude with a Call for people to translate faith into action – an opportunity for religious communities to defend AB32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (on the books since 2006) – currently under attack by oil company interests.

Free and open to all, “Renewal L.A.” will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 5:00 to 7:30 pm, on Sunday, April 25, 2010. The Cathedral is in downtown Los Angeles at 514 West Adams Blvd. Please RSVP by April 20 to: Allis Druffel (310) 752-3436; allis@interfaithpower.org

(SE corner of Adams and Figueroa: parking is in 27th Street off the West side of Figueroa in the AAA parking lot.)


5. New Books

Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future
By Bron Taylor
University of California Press, 2010
http://www.brontaylor.com/environmental_books/dgr/dark_green_religion.html
http://www.religionandnature.com/

Bron Taylor’s Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future is now available, along with a website he has established to complement the book and enhance its value for classroom use.  The book examines a wide range of individuals and groups around the world – environmentalists, surfers, artists, writers, filmmakers, politicians, and scientists – who consider nature sacred and intrinsically valuable. Taylor argues that such religion may, eventually, lead the way to a green future. The website includes video, music, slideshows, and internet links, providing a visceral feel for the phenomena explored in the book. For more information, see http://www.brontaylor.com/environmental_books/dgr/dark_green_religion.html.

+

Tending to Eden: Environmental Stewardship for God’s People                                                                                      
By Scott Sabin
Judson Press, 2010
http://www.judsonpress.com/product.cfm?product_id=13907&CFID=5501230&CFTOKEN=42582752

Valley Forge, PA—In Tending to Eden: Environmental Stewardship for God’s People, author Scott Sabin establishes theological foundations for creation care and provides a global perspective on issues including sustainable agriculture and forestry, creating enterprise, and ultimately empowering the poor. The book’s practical strategies and case studies are born out of Sabin’s experience as executive director of Plant With Purpose (http://www.plantwithpurpose.org/) (formerly Floresta), a nonprofit organization working internationally to reverse poverty and deforestation among the rural poor. Plant With Purpose currently works in 67 villages in Hait i and the forty staff members there focus on long term development work to ensure that villages are more resilient to natural disasters.  Many of the stories which personalize and illustrate Tending to Eden focus on this devastated country, torn apart by recent earthquakes.

A national speaker in the creation care movement, Scott Sabin has been published in various periodicals including The New York Times and San Diego Union-Tribune.  Most recently, articles have appeared in Christianity Today (“Trees of Life,” November 2009), and Relevant (“Planting with Purpose,” May/June 2009). Since the Haiti earthquake, Sabin has been interviewed on Fox 5 News, KBPS, and KUSI, all in San Diego.


6. Events

“Animals in East Asian History and Culture”
Triangle East Asia Colloquium
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
April 16-17, 2010
For More Information, visit: http://web.duke.edu/apsi/events/colloquium.html

Green Team Workshop for Church Leaders”
A BridgeWorks Event
Laramie First United Methodist Church, Laramie, WY, USA
April 17, 2010
For More Information, visit: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2suv9mud7d4fea4&oseq=a01vag6b5h9xb

The Opportunity of Crisis: Imagining Economic Systems Inclusive of the Planet and her People”
Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment 35th Anniversary
Keynote by Mary Evelyn Tucker
Citigroup, 388 Greenwich Street, 27th Floor, New York City, NY, USA
April 19, 2010
For More Information, download the PDF invitation at:
http://fore.research.yale.edu/calendar/item/the-opportunity-of-crisis/
**PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, EMAIL TCMK@AYA.YALE.EDU TO HAVE YOUR NAME ADDED TO THE GUEST LIST. NO WALK-INS WIL BE ADMITTED.**
 
The Berry Forum: Opening to The Great Work of Our Time
An Earth Day Convocation
The End Zone, La Penta Student Union
Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USA
April 24, 2010
For More Information, visit: http://www.iona.edu/

“Aesth/Ethics in Environmental Change”
Hiddensee, Germany
May 24-28, 2010
For More Information, visit: http://www.hf.ntnu.no/relnateur/index.php?lenke=meetings.php

Sacred Earth: Spirituality and Sustainability”
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA, USA
June 11-13, 2010
For More Information, visit: http://www.chc.edu/uploadedFiles/School_of_Graduate_Studies/Sacred_Earth/Program.pdf

 


7. Call for Papers for the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture Conference on ‘Living on the Edge’ (December 16-19, 2010, University of Western Australia)
 
‘Living on the Edge’
The Fourth International Conference of the ISSRNC
University of Western Australia (UWA-Perth)
December 16-19, 2010
http://www.religionandnature.com/society/conferences.htm

The International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, in association with La Trobe University, Melbourne, will hold its 4th International Conference on December 16-19, 2010, at the University of Western Australia (UWA-Perth). Perth, located on the edge of land and sea, is a perfect site at which to discuss the notion of ‘Living on the Edge’. We invite proposals from scholars exploring the intersection and edges of religion, nature and culture from a wide range of critical perspectives and from all disciplines.

Questions arising point to the edge as a place of transition and transformation, a launching place for change and action to counter ecological degradation and regenerate communities and ecosystems.

Through a multi-disciplinary framework of religion, nature and culture, the conference explores the relationships between people and nature, social and ecological systems, local and global economies, art and ecology, science and religion, and cultural diversity and biodiversity.

Proposals for individual paper presentations, sessions, panels, posters should be submitted directly to the conference email address: issrnc2010@gmail.com. Proposals should include a 250-300 word abstract of the session and/or presentation, and a 150 word biography. The Deadline for submitting proposals is July 30, 2010.



8. Call for Papers for Conference on “Ahimsa and Sustainability” (November 12-14, 2010, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA)

Ahimsa and Sustainability”
Sudha and Pravin Mody International Conference on Nonviolence
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA
November 12-14, 2010
For More Information, visit: http://www.csupomona.edu/~ahimsacenter/conference/conference_10.shtml

Ahimsa Center at Cal Poly Pomona will address the theme of sustainability in its fourth international conference on nonviolence. The conference will feature wide-ranging scholarships and experiences to illuminate the relationship between ahimsa (nonviolence) and sustainability from multiple perspectives.

What we do about our ecology largely depends on how we think of ourselves in relation to nature and people around us. The ecological challenges associated with sustainability are often seen as a warning for an imminent crisis. But these challenges can also be taken as an invitation to reflect on how and what we think of ourselves in the context of our environment, rethink our current ways of living, and marshal the transformative power of nonviolence in building a sustainable future.

Ahimsa or nonviolence is the experience of oneness with others and nature. It connotes reverence for all life. This interdisciplinary conference will explore the significance of nonviolence for sustainability by focusing on issues and topics such as:

  • Ahimsa and ecological worldview
  • Ecological interdependence
  • Good life as sustainable life (sustainability and quality of life)
  • Gandhi’s ecology, and the environmental movements
  • The make-up and making of sustainable communities
  • Sustainability in business and professions
  • Innovation and design for sustainability
  • Education for sustainability
  • Waging sustainability through nonviolence: Action plans

Proposals are invited for presentations related to the conference theme. Please submit via email (tsethia@csupomona.edu) as word attachment a 250-word abstract and a short bio no later than June 15, 2010.

For more information, contact:

Professor Tara Sethia, Director
Ahimsa Center
909) 869-3868
tsethia@csupomona.edu

For More Information, visit: http://www.csupomona.edu/~ahimsacenter/conference/conference_10.shtml 


9. Eco-volunteers required for TV Series on ‘How Green Is Your Deen?’

The Islam Channel and IFEES are working with a small group of volunteers to complete a series on environmental issues for Muslim teenagers, called ‘How Green Is Your Deen?’

Two of the five programmes are already complete:

FINISHED:
Animal Welfare
Recycling

NOT FINISHED YET:
Climate Change
Water
Eco-living

We need:

* An assistant producer

* Presenters (training will be given),

* Researchers to find sponsors

* Picture researchers

* Fund-raisers to approach potential sponsors

* A panel of young Muslims to guide the content of the scripts and style of presentation

* Muslim teenagers to answer quiz questions on film

All these will be voluntary jobs, but they will provide good experience in making TV programmes for global Muslim audiences.

If you would like to help in any of these tasks, please email your CVs to hr@islamchannel.tv with a short covering note saying why you feel you would be suitable and what position you are applying for.

Best regards,
Admin, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES)


 10. Faculty Position Opening in Science and Religion at Harvard Divinity School

Harvard Divinity School invites applications and nominations for a junior, tenure-track appointment in science and religion newly endowed by Richard Watson. The appointment is intended to advance research and thinking on the interrelations of contemporary science and religion, each broadly defined. Applicants may work on any religious tradition or scientific topic. They may draw on a range of methods and disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology of knowledge, history of science, history of medicine, and philosophy or theology, including ethics. The successful applicant will be able to apply the particular research to critical reflection on current debates about science, religion, and their relations.

Candidates must show promise of distinguished publication in their field and a commitment to excellence in its teaching. They must hold the doctoral degree before assuming the position in the fall semester of 2011. They should be competent in the research languages or methods needed for their area of specialization. They should be able to teach and advise at both doctoral and master’s levels. Whatever their research specialty, applicants must be able to participate widely in the Divinity School’s degree programs, including its M.Div. program, and be familiar with forms of analysis that address race, gender, and social location. In addition to students in the Divinity School, the successful candidate will also teach undergraduates and graduate students of religion in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Harvard University is an equal opportunity, affirmative-action employer and encourages applications from women and/or ethnic minority candidates.

Letters of nomination are welcome. Letters of application, accompanied by a recent curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation should be sent to: Watson Search Committee, Matthew B. Turner, Harvard Divinity School, 45 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138. Review of applications will begin August 15, 2010. Email: watsonsearch@hds.harvard.edu.

http://www.hds.harvard.edu/


 11. Worldviews: Global Religions, Culture, and Ecology

Worldviews: Global Religions, Culture, and Ecology has as its focus the relationships between religion, culture and ecology world-wide. Articles discuss major world religious traditions, such as Islam, Buddhism or Christianity; the traditions of indigenous peoples; new religious movements; and philosophical belief systems, such as pantheism, nature spiritualities, and other religious and cultural worldviews in relation to the cultural and ecological systems. Focusing on a range of disciplinary areas including Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology and Theology, the journal also presents special issues that center around one theme. For more information, visit: http://www.brill.nl/wo

For more information on other journals related to religion and ecology and to environmental ethics/philosophy, visit: http://fore.research.yale.edu/publications/journals/index.html. If you know of a publication that needs to be added to this list, email news@religionandecology.org.