http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/religious-environmental-organization_n_5185400.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051
The Huffington Post
by Antonia Blumberg
April 22, 2014
Green activism is often largely a scientific and political affair. But it doesn't need to be that way. Some of the best-known environmental organizations in the U.S. began with religious or spiritual roots: According to its website, Greenpeace was founded in a church basement by activists inspired by the Quaker tradition of "bearing witness." Sierra Club's most prominent founder, John Muir, is said to have been a deeply spiritual man influenced by transcendentalism.
Many religious and interfaith organizations today carry on the tradition of faith-based environmental activism and stewardship.
Here are 14 organizations working to protect the environment from a place of faith. What inspiring faith-based environmental organizations have we missed? Let us know in the comments.
Green activism is often largely a scientific and political affair. But it doesn't need to be that way. Some of the best-known environmental organizations in the U.S. began with religious or spiritual roots: According to its website, Greenpeace was founded in a church basement by activists inspired by the Quaker tradition of "bearing witness." Sierra Club's most prominent founder, John Muir, is said to have been a deeply spiritual man influenced by transcendentalism.
Many religious and interfaith organizations today carry on the tradition of faith-based environmental activism and stewardship.
Here are 14 organizations working to protect the environment from a place of faith. What inspiring faith-based environmental organizations have we missed? Let us know in the comments.
GreenFaith
GreenFaith is an interfaith organization that works primarily with houses of worship, religious schools and faith groups to educate them on sustainability and green practices. The organization has three core values that guide its work: spirit, stewardship and justice.
Interfaith Power & Light
Founded in 1998, Interfaith Power & Light offers a faith-based response to global warming. Now present in states around the U.S., IPL has a commitment to earth stewardship and uses education, advocacy and activism to address environmental concerns.
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
The National Religious Partnership for the Environment brings together independent faith groups, including the Catholic Climate Covenant, the Jewish Council on Public Affairs, Creation Justice Ministries and more. Through scholarship, leadership trainings and congregational outreach the organization aims to advocate for the environment as an extension of the divine.
The Shalom Center
Based in Philadelphia, the Shalom Centerincorporates Jewish and interfaith values to address climate change, food justice and endangered species.
Evangelical Environmental Network
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN)looks to the Bible's teachings to inform its eco activism. Inspired by the Bible's charge of stewardship and "tending the garden," EEN publishes Creation Care magazine, hosts podcasts and trainings and offers sustainability resources for churches and individuals.
Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development
Based in Jerusalem, the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development bring faith communities together to promote sustainability through advocacy, education and action projects. The Center's initiatives include eco conferences, eco tourism, women's activism, interfaith work and more.
EcoSikh
Initiated in 2009 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC),EcoSikh works to connect Sikh values and beliefs to the cause of environmentalism. The organization's main programs include Sikh Environment Day, a green pilgrimage network and a campaign to make gurdwaras more sustainable.
Green Muslims
Initiated at a zero-waste iftar during Ramadan in 2007, Green Muslims at once aims to inspire Muslims toward green activism and to provide a bridge between Muslim communities and environmental organizations. The organization hosts farm work days and river clean ups and offers toolkits for green Ramadans.
A Rocha
A Rocha is an international Christian environmental organization. Guided by Christian principles, A Rocha funds scientific research and environmental education to address pressing ecological concerns around the world.
The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL)
The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) aims to bring the Jewish community together in earth stewardship through outreach and activism. COEJL also partners with other faith groups and focuses on issues ranging from endangered species to energy security to clean air.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Environmental Justice Program
The Environmental Justice Program (EJP) offers resources for Catholic dioceses to serve their communities through environmental activism.
Buddhist Peace Fellowship
Founded in 1978, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship works to connect Buddhist teachings with environmental activism, and vice versa, through online media, trainings and education. The Fellowship also incorporates race, gender and eco-justice into its green activism.
The Forum on Religion and Ecology
Yale University's Forum on Religion and Ecologycombines conferences, publications and web outlets to explore religious and environmental ethics. The Forum places religion in dialogue with other disciplines, such as science, economics, education and public policy.
Creation Justice Ministries
Formerly the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, Creation Justice Ministriesworks with 37 national faith groups from different Christian denominations on environmental justice policies. The group's campaigns range from climate change to food justice to green buildings and more.
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