The 2017 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, IN adopted a resolution to support The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival which has grown out of the unfinished work of the Rev. Dr.…
Download Summary On May 2, Blessed Tomorrow and Auburn Seminary co-hosted the 2018 National Climate and Faith Leadership Forum, a gathering of nearly 50 faith leaders exploring how to increase climate change mitigation and advocacy activities across the country. Participants…
Years ago, I was walking up to my office in The United Methodist Building where we were hosting a prayer service celebrating Earth Day. As I approached, I noticed small yellow signs poking out of the grass. As I drew…
Are Americans looking to leaders outside of the political arena for guidance on climate change? ecoAmerica and Lake Research Partners set out to find this answer in the May 2018 American Climate Perspective Survey (ACPS). The ACPS found that there…
By 2030, over one hundred million people could be pushed into extreme hunger due to climate change according to the World Bank. When climate change is discussed, conversation is often around rising sea levels and changes in weather patterns. However,…
Human behavior affects the world in many ways. We cultivate the land, build communities, and consume resources to sustain our needs and lifestyles. There is new evidence that all people will be required to change the way they live, work,…
After Paris, faith groups throughout the United States pledged to reduce carbon emissions and announced support of organizations and initiatives that shared their goal for a carbon-free America. Blessed Tomorrow encourages faith leaders to advocate for the progression of climate…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us at Blessed Tomorrow! Below are some top stories from the last two weeks. Hot off the presses: Our Recommendations Report from the American Climate Leadership Summit, which has great ideas for faith leaders…
This past year saw faith leaders achieve many successes in taking up the mantle on climate and catalyzing progress on climate advocacy and action. At ecoAmerica’s 2017 American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS 2017), many of these influential leaders shared news…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Climate migration is one of the many climate effects that experts said was already happening around the world and soon America itself would begin to see refugees migrate from islands and coastal states to escape the severe weather. Indeed, since…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
We know that men and women of the clergy are a group whose voice is powerful and can move people within their congregations and communities to action. But did you also know that faith leaders can tap into that same…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Stepping away from the science of climate change can bring to light the many issues embedded in our society’s infrastructure. Revealing these problems is one of the many things that leaders accomplished at the 2017 American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS). Although…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
The United Methodist Church (UMC) has joined in on 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP23) as a way to provide a moral grounding while multi-sector leaders from all over the world discuss climate change, its impacts, and put ideas into…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
As of late, there are many congregations across the United States that are taking on the responsibility to care for creation. Among them are a handful of churches whose governing bodies have active partnerships with ecoAmerica and have been selected…
In preparation for the 2017 American Climate Leadership Summit (October 25 & 26), ecoAmerica reached out to leaders of faith who are devoted to this year’s objective, Taking Up the Mantle. Blessed Tomorrow leader, Shantha Ready Alonso gladly responded to our questions about…
Today, in front of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Federal Triangle building in Washington, DC, religious leaders have taken a knee as a symbol of devotion to caring for God’s creation and in protest against the inactivity of the Environmental Protection…
At ecoAmerica’s 2017 American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS), several faith leaders are scheduled to speak on tactics for climate leadership and provide inspiration on the Taking Up the Mantle motif. Among them is the Reverend Sotello V. Long, a leader of the…
The Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley has joined the roster of over 350 leaders that are Taking Up the Mantle by participating in ecoAmerica’s 2017 American Climate Leadership Summit. Recently, ecoAmerica gave ACLS speakers the opportunity to answer important questions about the state…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
At Monday’s U.N. World Food Day Ceremony, Pope Francis received a standing ovation after calling on the world’s governments to take action on the interconnected issues of climate, hunger, and migration. “It is clear that wars and climatic change are a…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
In a few weeks, ecoAmerica will host the 2017 American Climate Leadership Summit. The summit promises to provide opportunities for multisector communication on climate, as it draws leaders from state and local government, corporations, universities, and other organizations. Historically, the…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in September and 50% of the territory remains without electricity and access to basic supplies and food. Some have criticized the federal response to this climate-related disaster as “slow and “inadequate,” and it is important to ask ourselves, how does…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
A Word to the Church from The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops Gathered in Fairbanks, Alaska, September 21-26, 2017 The bishops of The Episcopal Church came to Alaska to listen to the earth and its peoples as an act of…
You’ve heard it said, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” When Mark Twain—who may have been quoting Charles Dudley Warner—popularized that saying in the 19th century, everyone just laughed. People thought there was nothing humans could…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Many faith leaders and organizations have taken on the challenge of creating initiatives to improve our planet. Among them are Blessed Tomorrow partners like the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ. Although these religious bodies bring…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Throughout the country, news of Harvey, Irma and Jose has stirred concern. For those who have lived through the traumatic events of Harvey and are currently experiencing Irma’s reign, there may even be some panic, stress or sadness. This is…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, displaced Texas and Louisiana residents are seeking refuge. Many have found comfort behind the doors of churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. The hospitality of these religious centers has started a worldwide conversation about the…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Creation care is more than an act of faith. It is a challenge to be pursued. Just like all of life’s challenges, our prayers can awaken our call to action, enhance our ability to follow through and improve our chances…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
The voice of the faith community was the sound heard around the world when a few countries decided not to make climate a priority. It was the same case for America when the President pulled away from the Paris Climate…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
“Violating the integrity of our relationship with creation is sinful. Our failure to serve as faithful caretakers of creation has local and global consequences. Our inability to share the abundance that God has entrusted to us has given rise to…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
It’s been ten years since Al Gore first told the world the “Inconvenient Truth,” about what’s happening to God’s Earth. People of faith took note of the issue and over the years, aided in spreading the inconvenient reality. Even with…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Climate change is one the most relevant political arguments in today’s landscape. As a political topic, climate change is now so complex that it is being considered a threat to national security. With America’s uncertain climate policy during a time…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
The ecosystem is a holier design than we know. God created us to remain in connection to each other and to the other living things that inhabit the Earth. It is grander than what decades of environmental research have uncovered.…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Many faith leaders have stood before congregations who are knowledgeable about the changing environment and how human behavior impacts it. This may be partly thanks to the creation care rhetoric that you feed to your congregation. But did you know…
The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal leads the 360 UCC churches in Massachusetts and is a national spokesperson on climate change for the UCC. He is a member of the Blessed Tomorrow Advisory Council. The day after President Trump pulled out…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
The pulpit is the source of information and guidance for millions of people throughout the United States. In fact, about 189 million inhabitants faithfully follow a religion. With more than half of the population looking to their religious leader for…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Everything that humans need to survive on this planet is already here. But certain natural resources are safer for the Earth. Some resources burnout and cannot be replenished. Others are sustainable or renewable resources. What if these renewable resources were…
Just as faith leadership is ineffective without followers, advocacy is ineffective without partners. It takes people from different sectors to get the results that are needed for climate solutions. This is one of the reasons why Climate Resolve, ecoAmerica, FORM,…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Many of the things humans do, accumulate, or discard emit carbon. By definition, a carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouses gases, particularly carbon dioxide, that is emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon emissions come by way of transportation, manufacturing, landfills,…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Our Earth is a wondrous place, but it has been deeply affected by our actions as humans. Now, it is our responsibility to restore its beauty and strength. But to really help the Earth recover, we must all understand how…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
The long-awaited decision from President Donald Trump on the Climate Change Paris Accord was one that many climate leaders do not approve of. In the faith community, a similar response arose, but rather than simply opposing Trump’s choice, these organizations…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you…
Historically, evangelicals in America tended to land on the conservative side of social issues. Millennials are taking a different view. Recognizing that something is happening to the plant life and other living creatures that share the Earth with humans, millennials,…
Faith leaders can be key influencers in the climate change debate. While the fate of America’s stance on climate change still hangs in the balance, leaders from over 20 interfaith organizations have united to motivate President Trump to preserve American…
Air is believed to be the “fertilizing wind,” and the “ruah” of human life in monotheistic faiths. The Holy Quran 015:022 states that these winds are created by the higher power, not the power of man, therefore, it can be…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement…
Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care for both the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Mass. Conference, United Church of Christ. In this recent Lenten sermon, she offers a timeless and timely message about moving beyond interia and towards…
When Americans consider the health impacts of climate change, they often cite physical consequences. As ecoAmerica’s new report shows, however, Americans are suffering the psychological consequences of climate change at an increasing rate. As a faith leader, you are greatly…
Holy Week marks the final days of Lent, crowned by Easter Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus from his tomb. Luke 24 attests that “he is not here; he has risen,” — a moment in time that stands as…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement…
When Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, traveled with his large family to Egypt, he did so to flee a famine that devastated his home in Beersheba. You've probably heard this story before, and the preceding accounts…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement…
On Sept. 21, 2014, then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited world leaders to discuss climate solutions needed to fix “one of the greatest moral issues of our time” — a phrase borrowed from Pope Francis. The world was over a…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement…
Blessed Tomorrow is proud to name Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) among our many inspiring partners. Since 2000, IPL has assisted thousands of faith communities to address climate change through acts of better stewardship. Founded by Blessed Tomorrow leader Rev.…
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement…
Language has the ability to guide cultures, advance leadership, or crumble societies, but words themselves are not inherently valuable. Their merit rests in the concepts that support them, which are subject to change depending on the time or setting of…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
Your church, mosque, or synagogue may be small and far from Washington D.C., but it just became a vital component in climate solutions. As the tug of war between Trump and the climate rages on in our nation’s capital, faith communities…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
For most Americans, scientific data is abstract, complicated, and generally unconvincing in its plea for climate solutions. While most skilled communicators would agree that effective climate messages avoid arguing over science, should we throw the baby out with the bathwater…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
2016 was a great year for solar power as America celebrated its one-millionth-panel installation. Ranging from simple home systems to massive commercial farms powering cities, the solar boom in America is alive and well. Renewable energy has grown steadily in…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
Trump’s executive order to ban refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries deepened the debate over U.S. national security and the refugee crisis. Many Americans felt torn between their responsibility to protect their country and caring for those unable to…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
Blessed Tomorrow's new report, Let's Talk Climate: Communication Guidance for Faith Leaders is finally here! Main authors Kirra Krygsman, ecoAmerica’s Research Manager, and Meighen Speiser, ecoAmerica's Chief Engagement Officer; along with contributors Shantha Ready Alonso, Creation Justice Ministries; Kara Ball,…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
Climate communicating will undoubtedly face new obstacles under the Trump administration, and the first couple of weeks have only been a taste of what is in store. On the morning of Trump's inauguration, information regarding climate change disappeared from the…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
If you google the term “climate change,” you’re likely to amass a vast array of studies, op-ed pieces and articles on the scientific, economic, and political factors in assessing the situation. There are compelling arguments in these categories, most of…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
In 1908, the inaugural Octave of Christian Unity was formed to nurture international Christian community building. By the 1930's the event had transformed into a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, offering a more inclusive invitation for Protestant congregations to…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. did more than point out social injustices – he dug at their root cause while mapping the extent of their growth. In recounting his father's legacy, Martin Luther King III explained how his father had…
Every Friday, we release our favorite faith and climate stories from the week. We highlight achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communicating to people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith…
Following the execution of his teacher Siyyid ‘Ali Mohammad (Bab) in 1844, Bahá'u'lláh was exiled from his home in the Persian Empire to live out his remaining years in the neighboring Ottoman Empire. Bahá'u'lláh’s claim to Abrahamic heritage had proven…
When we think of creation care leaders in the climate movement, we imagine Pope Francis orating before the U.S. House of Representatives, The Islamic Society of North America divesting from fossil fuels at COP22, or the African Methodist Episcopal Church…
It's been a long year for climate advocacy. The road to solutions has been a winding path with turns we did not anticipate. Some good, some bad, but ultimately forward. This is the inevitable nature of the American spirit, to…
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reverse much of the progress our nation has made on climate. His recent appointment of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, a fierce critic of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be the EPA’s administrator is…
This year, Hanukkah and Christmas Eve are scheduled to begin on the same date (Dec. 24th) — with Hanukkah continuing through New Year's Day. It's always nice when religious holidays overlap to remind us of the congruity between traditions and…
If the 2016 elections taught us anything, it's that America is more morally diverse than we had initially imagined (and that's putting it lightly). Despite 64 percent of Americans claiming to be worried about climate change, we elected a President…
For almost 20 years, the Milken Institute School of Public Health has provided a platform for cutting edge solutions to the world's most pressing health issues. With climate change impacting the welfare of all Americans, it seemed only suiting to…
Chicago is a vibrant city, electrified by its beautifully diverse population of almost three million residents. Its rich history is palpable with institutions and families spanning generations in this lakeside metropolis – one you've probably visited on vacation, for work,…
Climate communications are an ever evolving myriad of mediums and expressions. From major productions like the new film Before the Flood to distribution tools on social media, the way we talk about climate is changing not only in language but also…
While at the beach last August, I read Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. While my husband wasn’t sure that this qualified as vacation reading, I enjoyed a number of her other works there (especially The Sea Around Us), and hadn’t yet…
In today’s highly polarized world, and especially in this emotionally charged political season, it’s easy to break into separate camps, to lump people as “us” and “them.” As a Christian, I believe that all people are created in God’s image.…
A faith facility is more than a place for congregational worship. Whether it’s a single room in Virginia or a megachurch in California, religious sanctuaries are an outward expression of a community’s faith, values, and purpose. But how that’s been…
You might not recall the last time a presidential candidate was asked about climate change during a general election debate. That’s because in eight years of political sparring matches the issue has only received 82 seconds of debate time, prior…
America is at a crossroads in forging climate solutions. The rise of evidence through impacts, our push toward renewable energies, and multi-national agreements have propelled the fight for climate to new heights. Coalesced leadership across sectors is proof that the…
We know that climate change is happening; we know that humans are causing it, and we know that we must find solutions quickly. These indisputable facts have somehow become disputable in a post-truth America as climate skepticism rises faster than…
September 25th, 2016 marks the one-year anniversary of Blessed Tomorrow’s Coming Together in Faith on Climate. Aligned with Pope Francis’ historic visit to the U.S., faith leaders from across the United States convened at Washington National Cathedral to coalesce their…
Alarmed. Worried. Disturbed. That’s how many of us have felt during this election cycle. Through the primaries to the general election, we’ve heard candidates saying things that bring shock and dismay. Some have fanned into flame old unextinguished embers of…
Many Americans consider faith leaders to be their most influential guides in navigating social and political issues. As we near November's presidential election(s), the broad and complex network of ideologies, political affiliations, and social associations have expanded existing categories to…
Early next week (depending upon the Hijri calendar), Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice) to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. Not to be confused with Eid al-Fitr which…
Religious communities are actively engaged in many activities to care for and do justice for God’s creation. One of the less-known efforts has been a sustained push by many religious leaders to cut methane waste and pollution. Methane is a…
The Season of Creation is once again upon us! On September 1st, faith communities around the world will join in a collective recognition of God’s sacred creation. From its beginning as an Eastern Orthodox celebration initiated by Patriarch Dimitri in…
As I write this, the world just had its hottest month in recorded history. Here in Washington D.C, where July is normally our hottest month of the year, we had our sixth hottest July on record. Our unusually hot days…
Taylor Swift will solve climate change. That’s not true, but statistically, that line is 97% more likely to show up in your newsfeed than other climate content considering its mention of the pop singer. A similar disparity in Google searches…
From its inception, the U.S. Constitution has expounded virtues of pluralistic liberty and religious freedom under the First Amendment, but how does that apply to faith institutions mandated to care for God’s creation? Isaiah Berlin famously explored the nuances of…
From July 26th to July 30th, the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) co-hosted the National Youth Event at Walt Disney World in Florida. The quadrennial conference gathered 4,000 young leaders to convene on…
“This election is about climate change, the greatest environmental crisis facing our planet,” shared former presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders during his speech at the Democratic National Convention. His claim was unanimously praised by both Bernie or Bust and I’m With…
As I wrote in a blog last month, the faith-based stewardship covenant and work of Tangier Island watermen and their families, inspired the landowners I worked with in Bedford County, Pennsylvania to take their own stewardship covenant. Their example inspired…
Chispa, a League of Conservation Voters program, recently tallied the final score on climate voting records for U.S. senators and house representatives. The report was disheartening, with the national average of positive congressional climate votes locked at 41% (senate) and…
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest independent Protestant denomination founded by Black people in the world and Blessed Tomorrow's partner organization, has passed a Climate Change Resolution. During the 50th quadrennial AME General Conference held in Philadelphia, PA, July…
In 2006, the TED Talks series premiered online, spurring one the most gripping idea sharing forums the world had seen since Vidal v. Buckley. Vastly less controversial than the ABC primetime debate, the now ten-year-old program churns out speeches from…
By now, most Americans have seen the images of Syrian refugees fleeing their homes by boat, children in tow, to brave the choppy Mediterranean waters that claim the lives of thousands each year. Just as refugees in regions like Syria…
We learned last year that Americans are more afraid of terrorism than threats that have a greater statistical risk of harming them such as car accidents, falling furniture, heart disease or lightning strikes. But that’s the point of terrorism, to…
Last week, my husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. This marker prompted fond memories of when Jim and I met. At the time, I was living and working in the mountains of rural western Pennsylvania, directing Western Pennsylvania…
On September 23rd, 2015, we stood at the window of ecoAmerica's office in the heart of our nation's capital overlooking St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. waiting for Pope Francis' motorcade to arrive. A diverse community of Blessed Tomorrow leaders…
In 610 CE, atop Mecca’s Mount Nur, Angel Jibril (Gabriel) commanded Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with one word: Iqra (recite or read). The event which became known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), sparked the beginning of a prophecy that…
Climate change is the great equalizer of faiths. Similar to a subway car lined with people from all walks of life, our changing climate strips away differences, leaving only a single moral call to act. Much like Howard Zinn famously…
Pastor Curry’s finely pressed cleric's robe contrasted the Bronx basement of Fordham United Methodist Church as he admired the facility's new energy-efficient boiler system. Those that have endured a New York winter recognize how important a quality heating unit can…
Try to envision climate change. What does it look like and how does it make you feel? If you’re like most Americans, climate change is still an abstraction, something happening in “other places, to other people, at some point in…
Last week, the U.S. climate movement reached an unprecedented milestone, marking its one millionth solar installation — an accomplishment that took forty years to achieve but will take only 2 years to surpass. In the wake of a unified global climate agreement,…
A good story can transform the world. Since the beginning of civilization, stories have shaped the human experience, highlighting deeper meaning in the world around us through expressions of faith and tradition. Scriptural narrative acts as a conduit for moral…
Six months ago, at our Coming Together in Faith on Climate event, Blessed Tomorrow leaders Rev. Otis Moss and Brian Mclaren stood on the stage of Washington's National Cathedral to encourage a crowd of climate leaders to adopt five key…
"What happens when the whole church works toward justice?" asked Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, Senior Minister of Riverside Church in New York City, in her recent Patheos article. Dissecting the various components of church operations, Rev. Butler investigates how different…
As 150 governments including 40 heads of state are expected to join together in a signing ceremony at the United Nations this Friday for the Paris climate accord, I was privileged to spend time this weekend with a number of…
Passover begins this Friday and Jewish communities around the world will host a Sedar to start the week long holiday. Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), and Religious Action Center (RAC) have created a Haggadah (Sedar…
Called the 'peace sign of our time,' the now familiar 'C' is being brandished around the world, encouraging leaders to sign the UNFCCC Paris Agreement this Earth Day. I know what you're thinking: 'Didn't they already sign it?' Not really.…
[originally published 4/15/16] When asked, most Christians are capable of recounting at least some aspects of the Book of Genesis. While these descriptions will vary in detail depending on the person asked, positioning the sacred text and its two creation…
As COP21 Paris closed this past December with a historic agreement between nations, its non-legally-binding measures conjuring feelings of uncertainty. Who would be accountable for 195 countries to hold rising global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius? How would they achieve…
Last year, President Obama sought to make good on his promise to allocate U.S. capital toward the Green Climate Fund. Congress rejected the initial proposition of $500 million, but President Obama eventually secured some funding for the international resources charged…
Longlasting climate leadership is dependent on fostering new energy, a point our partners at Greenfaith are taking seriously. They understand the impactful role leaders play in forging new climate solutions and work tirelessly to develop new burgeoning talent. They also…
Ecumenical Advocacy Days describes itself as 'a movement of the ecumenical Christian community, and its recognized partners and allies, grounded in biblical witness and our shared traditions of justice, peace and the integrity of creation.' April 15th-18th, Christian leaders from…
On April 5th, a Global Day of Prayer for Climate Action occurred, with people of faith connecting on their shared value to care for God's creation. Similarly, Interfaith Power and Light is asking all people of faith to join a…
"We face a moral imperative to protect the earth and all its inhabitants from a climate crisis of our own making," read an amicus brief filed by 30 Catholic and faith-based institutions with the federal appeals court in support of…
You've probably heard the phrase, 'keep it in the ground', but you've probably never heard it amplified in such a resounding chorus as you will on April 24th, 2016. Just two days after Earth Day (April 22), faith leaders, activists,…
The United Church of Christ is asking people of faith to take the Creation Care Challenge this Earth Day. Rev. Brooks Berndt explains in a short video that, "Jesus said the number one commandment is to love God with our…
“Participation in religion seems to make people more likely to suppress self-interest in favor of group norms,” according to a new study by British Columbia social psychologist and author Ara Norenzayan. As Sojourners reports, Norenzayan's findings indicate that faith is often…
Every week, you plan your sermon, khutbah, homily, or derasha, designed to guide your congregation on the moral issues that matter most. Ranging in form, your powerful message helps navigate the nuances of living piously through God's divine love and…
Why aren't the latest climate reports being read? For the most part, people don't understand what they and secondly, they do not go far enough in explaining what to do about climate change. While many officials may explain the science,…
Lent is over but the impact of climate initiatives during this time will live on. In honor of the carbon fast taken on by thousands of people of faith, cleanenergy.org has highlighted 40 congregations and faith leaders that have recently…
For Christians and Jews, the Book of Genesis remains a salient portrayal of creation, in turn, providing a rubric for humankind's interaction with the natural world. Citing Genesis 1:28, some Abrahamic traditions find a designation of the role we are…
Today is good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Christian traditions around the world. In two days, Christians will honor Easter Sunday, honoring the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the end of Lent. The two holidays cap the…
Last week, we introduced you to the tremendous Interfaith Power and Light, Faith Climate Action Week, scheduled for April 15 -24. The national event is scheduled to be huge and the long time faith and climate advocacy organization has created…
This past week, the U.S. Defense Department reworked its definition of 'climate change.' For better or worse, the shift in language is part of an ongoing struggle to navigate the conversation of climate discourse, in turn, mapping how we manage…
Concern over climate change has reached a new high this year with 65% of Americans expressing a “great deal” or “fair amount” of worry, according to the latest Gallup Poll. Attributed in large part to changing weather patterns, Americans are…
On April 21st (the day before Earth Day), people of faith, public health workers, clean energy advocates, and students will board a bus bound for Illinois' state capital, Springfield. Six buses will depart from various locations in Chicago, Illinois, including…
Growing up in Manhattan, Rosina Pohlmann was disturbed by the impact that climate change was having on her city – on God's creation. Greif stricken, she began preaching to her congregation from Luke 12:13-21, organizing events at her church…
It's that time of year again – when our Partner organization, Interfaith Power and Light hosts Faith Climate Action Week, April 15-24. The nine-day national initiative surrounding Earth Day (April 22) connects, inspires and motivates climate action within faith communities…
The faith community has rallied together with small businesses, concerned citizens, and local, state, and federal legislators to stop offshore drilling along the U.S.’ southeast coast. Today, those efforts bore fruit when President Obama announced that the Interior Department will…
Non-white minorities are often left out of climate conversations. There are several reasons for this, as this article points out: minorities often do not self-identify as environmentalists, and at some point policy-makers and researchers believed that minorities do not prioritize…
In America’s heartland, a church, a synagogue, and a mosque are coming together to build a true interfaith campus – the first of its kind in the world – and the most environmentally sustainable church, also the first of its…
Columban Fr. Sean McDonagh completed a three-city tour discussing his new book, On Care for Our Common Home, which explored the immense wonderment and beauty of Pope Francis' Encyclical, Laudato Si. Traveling to various Catholic parish on the East Coast,…
Last week, Blessed Tomorrow Program Director, Kara Ball penned a powerful response to the misconception that climate change is a new issue for people of faith. Highlighting decades of advocacy for creation, Ball outlined the many ways in which faith…
There were mixed emotions after the Paris agreement with many people of faith trying to determine what exactly an 'agreement' meant for the climate. It was, however, the largest showing of world leaders ever with delegates working day and night…
Carbon emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels is still the largest contributor to climate change around the world. Implementing fair carbon pricing will ensure that fossil fuel companies are held responsible for the impact they have on the…
Over the weekend (March 5th), Blessed Tomorrow's partner, Catholic Climate Covenant, joined six Catholic climate ambassadors at Paul Smith's College to discuss the "Climate Change as a Moral Issue," and other teaching gleaned from the Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si.…
Katharine Hayhoe remains a prominent voice in the climate and creation care conversation. Her prolific work as a climate scientist enables her to not only lead on solutions but to educate people about climate change in a way that is…
April 5, 2016, will be a Day of Prayer for Climate Action designed to bring Christian communities together in their collective effort to find climate solutions around the world. Many of Blessed Tomorrow's partners and leadership circle will be participating…
Pope Inspires Clergy to Join Environmental Movement came to my inbox recently as one in a list of articles on faith leadership on climate and environmental issues. I agree with the article that Pope Francis’ leadership on climate, creation care,…
New York has increased its use of renewables faster than many states in the U.S., efforts which have launched the eastern region to the top of climate contributions following COP21. Cutting dependency on fossil fuels and adopting renewable energy practices…
Jewish and Catholic leaders convened last week to highlight their shared values on caring for creation. While the meeting was to discuss the various ways the two religious bodies were similar, it maintained a celebration of their uniqueness. In some…
In many ways, climate change has become the great unifier of faiths. Bridging gaps and rekindling old friendships, this paramount moral issue has fostered ecumenical collaborations enabling faith leaders to guide America toward long-lasting climate resolutions. Breaking new ground, Rev.…
Mary Evelyn Tucker directs the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale University and has been a valued leader at Blessed Tomorrow for many years. Her prolific work as a climate leader, author, and educator has offered groundbreaking initiatives in…
2015 was a big year for climate solutions but have you ever wondered how the various successes of climate action are connected. Look no further because The University of Dayton is hosting, Everything is Connected: Teaching Pope Francis' "Integral Ecology"…
It seems like every week a new study on climate opinions is published. These are, for the most part, very helpful in planning a climate communication strategies that are both sound and impactful, allowing leaders to craft a message that…
The world of online climate communication is increasingly visual. Images and video demonstrate the urgency of acting on climate change in ways that writing simply cannot. A reality that has motivated organizations such as Climate Outreach to launch a new…
'Ongoing creation and incarnation' were the words used to describe a Catholic understanding of the earth at this year's conference, "Catholics, Capitalism and Climate" at Molloy College on Long Island, New York. Cardinal Turkson, arguably one the most significant contributors…
For Christians, Jesus' crucifixion on the cross is central to the teachings of the New Testament (1 Corinthians 2:2), the life of Christ, and, without equivocation, free will. As Rev. John Riggle, Lutheran Pastor at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America…
Climate communications in faith communities have become one of the most important aspects of climate outreach in America. Faith guides people of faith to care for creation, but some narratives resonate better than others when promoting climate solutions. Climate Outreach,…
Last week, the Supreme Court put a halt on President Obama's Clean Power Plan, relegating its future to the state courts. Unprecedented and unfortunate, this move further demonstrates why people of faith must get involved. Surely, a matter of legal…
"We didn't come out of the stone age because we ran out of stones," shared Paul Douglas, a Republican and evangelical Christian, meteorologist during an interview this past week at St. John's University. Douglas continued, "We've all benefited from fossil…
Our partner organization Sojourners is at the forefront of highlighting how climate change impacts African American communities in America. In a recent piece penned by Rev. Jesse Bottoms, Vice President of the National Baptist Convention USA, Sojourners highlights the high…
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated, “the earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it.” (Hadith – Muslim) The 1.6 billion Muslims around the world draw on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to assist in…
Pope Francis released a message for Lent this past week, reminding Catholics of the work of mercy: "God’s mercy transforms human hearts; it enables us, through the experience of a faithful love, to become merciful in turn," continuing, "In an…
Pope Francis' Encyclical, Laudato Si sparked a great discussion on the climate in America, and the conversation continued in Queens, New York at this year's Ninth Biennial Vincentian Chair of Social Justice Conference. The event which hosted 240 attendees of…
Ted Cruz just won the Iowa Caucus, and while his appeal to Evangelical Christian communities may have been a contributing factor to his success, it could be the very thing that loses him votes in the general election. Evangelicals across…
Christian Lent begins next week on February 10th and will last until Easter Sunday, March 27th, 2016. Through Biblical exegesis, Christians find guidance for the Lenten holiday in the Synoptic Gospels, motivating them to abandon particular behaviors for 40 days.…
On September 24-25, 2015, Blessed Tomorrow, with our partners Convergence, Washington National Cathedral, Auburn Seminary, Faith in Public Life, and Interfaith Power and Light DC, brought together Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other national leaders to an extraordinary event called Coming…
Chicago is home to towering Cathedrals, visible from miles away when unobstructed, and while the city is known for these majestic testaments to God, they use a tremendous amount of energy to maintain functionality. Luckily that's about to change as…
Two outspoken voices on climate change in the past year have been Pope Francis and Revenant actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, and this week, the two finally met. Traveling to the Vatican, the actor turned climate leader who has garnered audiences from…
The drastic changes happening to our planet are not a direct result of race issues in America, but the impact of those changes on particular segments of society is related to our construction of race. Speaking on Michigan's recent water…
A less reported aspect of the Paris Agreement was the involvement of faith leaders from around the world, which added a moral backdrop to the lively discussions. Now, a few months after the historic agreement was reached. Faith leaders pay…
Just over a year ago, the discourse surrounding climate change was political. Appropriated by pundits, climate change has been used to create divisiveness between Americans, but according to a series of recent reports, religious leaders are restructuring the climate discussion.…
When Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley first marched for civil rights in America with Dr. King, he probably never imagined he'd be doing something similar for the climate in 2016. Rev. Durley and along with many other Blessed Tomorrow leaders view…
This weekend, we celebrate Tu BiSh'vat, the Jewish New Year of the tree, an agricultural tradition held for millennia to honor the sacredness of G-d's creation. Jewish communities across America will gather to celebrate the holiday with community members and…
The EPA reports that the average American throws away just over 1200 calories in food per day, contributing to issues of hunger and climate change. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy has developed many strategies to combat this unnecessary waste, turning recently…
In recent years, the discourse surrounding climate change has transitioned away from a political issue, and into a moral concern that faith leaders are taking head on. In Yale's new report, Faith, Morality and the Environment: Portraits of Global Warming’s…
You probably didn't realize that you clicked on this blog largely because of the image, but it's true, you did. Imagery has come to define our era of online interactions. Social media and blogs almost always have an accompanying visual…
Major media outlets propagate a polarized narrative when it comes to climate leaders and conservatives, and while the GOP has been slow to join climate solutions, a growing number are starting to see the light. Republicans, the House majority leaders,…
President Obama shared in his State of Union Address that acting on climate change is not only the consensus of most world leaders but that ignoring the inevitable shift in technology and business would weaken the American economy. The President's…
When Pope Francis released his groundbreaking Encyclical, Laudato Si, the impact it would have on the Catholic community was to be expected. As it turns out, Catholics aren't the only people of faith gleaning climate motivation from the papal edict.…
The Sierra Club is welcoming a new group to their fold. The list of faith leaders, including Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhists Hindus, and many more, now account for nearly one-half of Sierra Club's event attendance. The number of faith leaders…
You've studied the scriptures of your faith tradition, and you understand quite well the moral imperative to care for creation. What about your fellow climate caretakers in faith traditions not your own? What are they taught about creation and how…
The Monmouth University Poll released a report on climate opinions this week, findings that uncovered a shift in climate concern among Americans. Seventy percent of Americans agree that the climate is changing, a drastic uptick in concern for the climate…
Richard Cizik, President of the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, has worked for decades on issues of climate and broader creation care initiatives. It comes at no surprise that he made his way to Paris this past month…
Social media is a powerful tool. There is a good chance that you found this blog through one of the many platforms that host the instantaneous sharing of information. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become part of our…
2015 was a big year for religion but then again, what year isn't huge for faith. Many leaders stuck out as climate advocates, but none had quite the reach or trajectory as Pope Francis. As is apparent by the Papacy…
The beginning of every new year is subtle reminder of the various origin stories in scriptures through religious traditions. In the Book of Genesis, Christians are shown the manifestation of God's creation, one in which form is conceived, light and…
2015 was an incredible year for the climate movement, with leaders in every sector speaking out and demanding climate action. ecoAmerica (Blessed Tomorrow's parent company) continued to empower those leaders through summits, programs, and research designed to reinforce effective…
The earth will survive climate change. Our planet has spun through various degrees of ecological transition, with cold and warm periods altering its landscape. The current (human induced) change, however, is happening faster than ever before, and while the planet…
The Pew Research Center created a climate change quiz and unlike test from our childhood; this questionnaire required an unusual prerequisite – one for which little studying is required. The three question exam does not test an individual's knowledge of…
Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne. He covers the night as a veil over the day, each seeking the other in swift succession. He created the sun, the…
In 8th century BCE, Hosea, a minor Prophet of the Hebrew Bible, offered poetic insights on the nature of human existence and its role in God's creation. Walter Brueggemann, a Sojourners contributing editor and professor emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary…
Climate change has altered the way we work, play and thrive in God's creation. Still, no other community in America has been impacted by the harmful effects of climate change more than the African American population. Accounting for only 13…
Houston, we've got a problem. And if the former chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is calling the bluff of the nuclear industry, we know it's a big one. The recent climate talks in Paris have heightened discussions about how…
The COP21 Paris agreement has garnered plenty of praise (and a little doubt) from the global community. Was it ambitious enough? Will it redirect the course of climate change? With a deal of this magnitude, designed to carry us through…
December has proven to be a hot one, and while this warming is largely attributed to El Nino, climate change is heightening the severity of its impact. This Christmas may not offer the usual snowfall and sweater weather we…
A fire swept across the Jemez Mountains range four years ago, a blaze viewable from the home of Lutheran lay theologian and climate advocate, Larry Rasmussen. Destroying just over 150,000 acres of land, the climate-induced rampage was, perhaps, the most…
One night a few weeks ago, my husband Jim and I browsed some of the many “best of rock groups” lists online, just for fun. As expected, The Beatles and Elvis Presley were among those featured prominently; but some surprises…
In a historic, albeit, unexpected show of support, nearly 200 delegates reached an agreement to collectively reduce carbon emissions in Paris this weekend. Most notably, the COP21 Paris agreement demonstrated an unprecedented level of concern and inclusion of developing…
It’s the day after the huge event Aimee Christensen helped organize — “Climate and Capital” on the sidelines of COP21, to inform and encourage investment in climate solutions — but she is not showing any signs of slowing down. She hops from…
Outside of the Paris “beltway,” (Boulevard Périphérique), far from the climate talks and the palaces and villas where side meetings and donor discussions are taking place, are suburbs that are home to many of Paris’s immigrants, including Muslim families from…
John Hill is using communications skills honed over 23 years of work in Washington, D.C., every day this week in Paris at COP21. As Assistant General Secretary for Advocacy and Organizing at the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) Board of Church…
Noah Kittner, a Ph.D. candidate in Energy and Resources at U Cal Berkeley, ran cross country as a high school student in Raleigh, North Carolina. He may have learned a thing or two about endurance back then that helps him…
The grand postmodern hall in the “Order of the Architects of the Isle of France,” a stately building near the Gare de l'Est train station in Paris is for once abuzz with a language other than French. Paris has welcomed…
At the last COP meeting in Copenhagen in 2009, there was only one side event focused on health and climate. This year at COP21 in Paris there has been several each day, with hundreds of thousands of people attending. More…
For many Americans, the word 'Jihad' unfortunately carries with it a particular connotation that conjures memory of terror and violence. And that's completely wrong. During the time of Prophet Mohammad (SAW), the Arabic word, 'Jihad' commonly meant an internal struggle…
Every week, faith leaders across America stand before their respective assemblages to morally guide their diverse congregations on social issues. Creating a singular message that will appeal to the varied audiences may prove complex, particularly when addressing climate change, a…
'Spirituality' has been described by every sage and prophet from Indian mystics to Jesus as the process of 'waking up.' For many, a personal investigation of the heart allows us to illuminate the social woes that confront our communities. Much…
It may come as a surprise for some to hear a famed climate scientist declare, "…more science is not the answer to global action." That is, however, exactly what Texas Tech Professor, Kathrine Hayhoe shared in her article for Scientific…
Paris is finally here! COP21 begins today as over 190 world leaders gather to negotiate the fate of our climate. Feels weird writing that our climate is up for negotiation but that is the unfortunate reality of the situation. Though,…
Discussions surrounding the likelihood of success at this year's climate talks in Paris have varied depending on what news source you frequent. Regardless of the actual outcome, the progress we have made is monumental. The three largest contributors of carbon…
How does faith impact the climate discussion? As Dennis Patrick O’Hara, director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology, shared, faith gives people a particular sense of power on an issue that can seem overwhelming. For many Americans,…
In Ephesians 2:21, Christians are taught, "In whom the whole structure, joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." What does this temple look like, and how does it represent the way in which followers of Jesus practice…
This week, millions of Americans will come together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for love, sharing and, of course, food. The holiday season, however, should also be a time to recommitment ourselves to creation care. This…
It has been just over a week since the attacks on Paris, and the world has changed. While my heart goes out to all those impacted by terrorism from Beirut to Baghdad, it is imperative to steady our course toward…
Scientists have been warning people for decades that climate change is a serious and pervasive threat to the prosperity of humankind. And while climate efforts of the past few decades are not to be forgotten, they simply have not been…
As people of faith, our rites and rituals are sacred aspects of connecting to the divine. From Russian Orthodox bells carrying prayers to the heavens to Buddhist burning incense, these forms of praxis act as a conduit between us and…
The cold winds of November aren't enough to stop Christians from marching to Paris for climate change awareness. Then again religious theorists would argue that a pilgrimage is intended to be just that, arduous for the sake of transformation. It…
The Appalachian mountains have been revered by Americans for centuries. They are, without equivocation, a national treasure, which is why Kentucky and West Virgina Catholic Bishops have been speaking out on the degradation of these sacred hills for decades. As…
Since Pope Francis was elected to the Papacy in 2013, Catholics have been moved by his words, actions and compassion for the environment. From his groundbreaking Encyclical, Laudato Si, to his recent visit to the U.S. (which I was lucky…
How do we communicate on climate change effectively? This question is an ever-present conundrum for scientists around the world. Climatologist Kevin Stark detailed the difficulty scientists encounter while conveying the urgency of climate change, sharing, "How do we talk…
A static belief is a dead position. A salient example being Dominican Sr. Patricia Siemen, who, after advocating for the construction of low-income housing in the 1980s that would devastate Florida wildlands, expanded her worldview, pushing her to look deep…
One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is spending time with my family, especially extended family members whom I don’t get to see often enough. Our time together includes the usual Thanksgiving traditions – eating specially prepared food (I’m bringing…
The Green Team at St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church in New Jersey received a Greenfaith Certification after a tremendous accomplishment of transforming their faith facility. Greenfaith's Rev. Fletcher Harper (Blessed Tomorrow leader), shared, "St. Bernard's is now one of some 70…
Moments before ecoAmerica founder, Bob Perkowitz took the stage at Climate Day LA, the news came in that President Obama had rejected the Keystone XL transnational pipeline. The crowd of some 500 people, leaders from various sectors of business, health,…
You may remember Plainview, Texas from the National Geographic television series, 'Years of Living Dangerously,' in which famed climate scientist, Katharine Hayhoe expounded the many ways in which this once robust region had fallen victim to the impacts of climate…
"Science alone cannot save the planet," shared Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, the Orthodox Christian leader who spiritually guides 300 million people around the world. The 'Green Patriarch' met with the Archbishop of Canterbury in England this past week,…
Everyone involved in raising climate awareness (and many that aren't) know about Pope Francis Encyclical, Laudato Si. It's powerful message of eco-justice under the umbrella of Catholic theology empowered not just 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide to make a change for…
The miracles of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels call for a recognition of maladies. In Luke 4:18, Jesus required the 'longing' or 'desire' for change, which in turn called the recipient of a miracle to recognize the issue at hand.…
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, has remained outspoken on the issue of climate change, expressing concern over its impact on the Tibetian Plateau, or 'roof of the world.' This week, His Holiness urged strong climate leadership in Paris with…
Blessed Tomorrow leader and President of National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Rev. Gabriel Salguero, was deeply moved by Pope Francis' visit to the U.S. In an open letter to the leader of the Catholic Church, Salguero expressed why his Evangelical Christian…
November 5th, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the first warning issued to a U.S. President regarding climate change. In the five decades since this historical event, we've learned a lot about the impact of fossils fuels on our atmosphere,…
Catholic Bishops from 5 continents have appealed to COP21 delegates to take legally binding action that will reduce the impact of climate change on the poorest regions. Citing Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si, the nine signatories, six of which were…
"Caring for the planet, God's creation and people is a moral, ethical and spiritual issue primarily," shared Rev. Tom Carr while recounting his start in environmental protection in 1986. Compelled to care for God's creation, Rev. Carr founded Eco-Justice Network,…
A study released by the Pew Research Foundation uncovered that fifty-nine percent of religiously affiliated Americans 'see' a conflict between religion (that is not their own) and science. As Sojourners highlighted, this perceived schism is largely inaccurate, or, at the…
Last month, Blessed Tomorrow welcomed Young Evangelicals for Climate Action at Coming Together in Faith on Climate. National Organizer and Spokesperson, Rachael Lamb shared her insights and progress in the Evangelical community during a robust discussion with a myriad of…
Climate science is universal. It remains an undeniable and immediate issue while our individual faith traditions differ. If climate change requires religious guidance to incite moral action, how do we determine a positive path to climate solution in a pluralist…
World-renowned primatologist, anthropologist and a United Nations Ambassador of Peace, Jane Goodall shared, "[Pope Francis] is absolutely amazing and he gives me more hope than almost anybody else alive at this time today." Praising his call to care for creation,…
Building on the momentum of last year's, The People's Climate March, Wednesday's, People’s Climate Movement’s National Day of Action, garnered support from 170 communities in 47 states. Among the participants were our partner organization, Interfaith Power and Light, pictured below.…
The Rev. Curtis Whittaker shared, "If a nonprofit or church is doing good work, they should be able to install solar panels and sell energy coming in to use the profits to continue their good work." Staying true the name…
Yesterday, Parliment of the World's Religions began in Salt Lake City, Utah. For those unfamiliar with the proceedings, the global dialogue of faiths first transpired in Chicago, Illinois in 1893, and has been occurring in one form or another ever…
Blessed Tomorrow leader, Dan Misleh, director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, joined an interfaith panel at Ohio State University last week to discuss the role of Pope Francis' Encyclical, Laudato Si, in interfaith climate solutions. Encouraging the crowd of Catholic,…
There is a growing movement among houses of worship. One that insights the essence of reverence for creation, heightening our duty as stewards of God's gift. Through our partner, Greenfaith, congregations across the nation are revamping their facilities to reduce…
Malawi, a landlocked country in Southeastern region of Africa with vibrant highlands situated next to an abundant water source, is suffering. Floods caused by climate change have devastated the land, forcing Christian missionaries to take action. The thing about climate…
Since COP20 in Lima, Peru last year, religious leaders have been looking forward to COP21 in Paris, France, where world leaders will gather to discuss and commit to climate initiatives in various countries around the world. One of the major…
At Blessed Tomorrow, we are all about leadership! Through empowering climate leaders, we better enact solutions that will bring about a drastic change in the way we view our role in the climate. As COP21 nears closer, we are relying on…
Three out of four Americans ascribe to a religious tradition, but they aren't the only ones who believe in a creator. While the number of religious practitioners has experienced a decline in American society, most citizens maintain that a 'creator'…
The week before last, I was blessed to join hundreds of faith leaders who gathered in Washington D.C. for Coming Together in Faith on Climate. Co-sponsoring the event with Convergence, Washington National Cathedral, Auburn Theological Seminary, Interfaith Power and Light…
Millennials have quickly become a central focus for faith leaders, due in large part to quantifying reports that highlight their exodus from organized religion. Worrisome as these statistics may be, they are not entirely accurate, or at the very least,…
When Pope Francis' Encyclical (Laudato Si) released in June, it carried the impact of moral leadership in climate talks beyond the Roman Catholic Church, a quality that likely stemmed from its interfaith origins. Laudato Si does more than foster interfaith…
As the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson is attuned to the issues that face her congregation. While the longtime Reverend recognizes the impact Pope Francis' Laudato Si and U.S. visit had on the creation care movement, it…
Energy efficiency is the fastest, cheapest, and most resourceful solution for simultaneously saving your congregation money and preventing greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the importance of progressing American faith facilities to reduce carbon emissions, the EPA has made facilitating this transition a…
Last week, Blessed Tomorrow was lucky enough to welcome Rabbi Warren Stone, Co-Chair of the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care, at Coming Together in Faith on Climate. In the hallowed halls of Washington National Cathedral, Rabbi Stone illuminated his…
Last week, Blessed Tomorrow co-hosted, Coming Together in Faith on Climate, a convening of faith leaders from various traditions to rally around Pope Francis' call to climate action. Among the leaders was Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator, Suzii Paynter, who…
After the Moral March on Climate last week, we [ecoAmerica crew] made our way over to the rally of faith leaders for the climate, staged in front of Washington's Capital Building. Among the speakers, many of which had gathered to…
Yom Kippur, the most significant of the Jewish Holidays, coincided with Pope Francis' visit to DC this week, but that didn't stop a few Rabbis from joining the festivities. Compelled by the Jewish call to act for the climate, Rabbi…
The ecoAmerica office was gifted a special treat yesterday as Pope Francis made his way to St. Matthew Cathedral after speaking to President Obama at the White House. Addressing a crowd of Catholic Bishops, Pope Francis spoke for over an…
Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief knows all too well the importance of climate action on the part of Congress. Which is why Speckhard adamantly supports Pope Francis' initiative to share his moral call to climate…
With the Pope's visit to the White House less than 24 hours away, a note of optimism fills the DC area. Apart from the proposed initiatives between heads of state and religious leaders, there is a force swelling in the…
Last February, 6,000 Jordanian mosques adopted solar power in a joint effort to address the growing role of faith communities in climate action. Similarly, an American mosque has taken the call to climate action seriously by promising to install solar…
Climate change has long been a point of contention in the Republican party; that is until Tuesday when 10 House Republicans announced they would sign a resolution acknowledging human activity's contribution to climate change. Granted, this only represents a fraction…
Rev. Sally G. Bingham is the president and founder of Interfaith Power & Light, and a Blessed Tomorrow leader who has worked tirelessly on the issue of climate change for over 15 years. As an Episcopal Preist, Rev. Bingham understands…
Pope Francis has echoed what scientists have been saying for years, according to climate leader, Katharine Hayhoe. While the findings come from decades-long, carefully accumulated data, these details are not what compels the American public to act. Science may be…
Blessed Tomorrow leader, Dr. Joel Hunter and co-author, Susan Barnett, illuminated an interesting theme found in Pope Francis' Encyclical, Laudato Si. Turning his focus toward water, Pope Francis demonstrates the imperative to care for the vital source that fuels the human…
Shanah Tovah (שָׁנָה טוֹבָה) to those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, whether it be with family or in quiet contemplation, either reflecting on the past or looking toward the future. The Jewish New Year is the beginning of the High Holy Days,…
Successful climate solutions and leadership share a common ground of humility. In the climate edicts released by religious groups in the past year – Christain, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist – there is a universal underpinning of reinvention, changing the…
Proceeding the 1997 climate talks in Kyoto, Japan (COP 3), the world began moving in the right direction on climate change. Alas, suffering a setback in Copenhagen (COP15), global leaders appeared to take a step in the wrong direction. The…
A faith leader colleague recently asked me why, with so much already going on in the faith community, we need to take advantage of this time when Pope Francis is in the US to amplify faith voices speaking out on…
After a global search to discover his spiritual calling, Tyler Sit returned to his Methodist roots to find the social justice he was looking to address. Beginning under the title, 'Eco-Church' (a name dropped after realizing its exclusiveness), Sit began…
A recent report found that US-UK governments could benefit from enhanced religious engagement on issues of social justice. The report, which details the proposed engagement, clarifies that "in a world where religious ideas and institutions are increasingly salient factors…
U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry warned that climate migration is already underway, rendering immediate climate action imperative. As migration takes center stage in the news, it further demonstrates why faith leaders are charged to speak on the issue of…
Following the leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis called for a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, and the turnout was astounding. Addressing an interfaith crowd at St. Peters Basilica, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa…
The Golden State is getting a little help from Catholic Bishops as state lawmakers attempt to pass SB 350, a bill that would impose fuel regulations in California. Following President Obama's Clean Energy Plan, which instituted a 32% reduction in…
The Parliament of the World's Religions released a video this week, encouraging people of faith to 'reclaim the heart of our humanity' at this year's proceeding. Parliament Chairman, Imam Malik Mujahid, shared "Human beings have tremendous potential for change, and…
We are entering what many have deemed, 'the season of creation' (Septemeber 1 – October 4), as faith leaders around the world host events to show support for the climate talks in Paris. And, American faith leaders aren't wasting any…
North Carolina became a hotbed of climate leadership as The Conference of Major Superiors of Men, representing 17,0000 Catholic Preist passed a resolution earlier this month to take fervent action on climate change. The resolution couldn't have come at a better…
On September 24th and 25th, Blessed Tomorrow, Faith in Public Life, National Cathedral, Convergence and Auburn will host Coming Together in Faith on Climate, bringing together Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other national religious leaders in Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral. Expressing…
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) will be hosting its 52nd annual conference in Chicago, September 4-7. The annual gathering is a time for American Muslims to pray, inspire and discuss issues impacting their community (and beyond). Among this year's…
“I’m not perfect, but I try to live sustainably as much as possible,” shared Brent Fernandez, a teacher of theology and science at Father Ryan High School, one of many Catholic schools incorporating Laudato Si into their academic curriculum. For…
We hear about it all the time, methane gas and the harm it can cause to our health and climate. But, how much do we actually know about this common fossil fuel emission? Our partner's, Interfaith Power and Light uncover…
"The destruction of the earth's environment is the human rights challenge of our time," Archbishop Desmund Tutu began his insistence for religious leaders to take a stand for God's creation. Equating inactivity on climate change to apartheid, Tutu is part…
For decades, climate scientists have remained puzzled by their inability to sway climate opinions. Was the data too confusing? Could they simplify it? Projected sea levels and global temperatures simply were not doing the trick. Atmospheric climate scientists, Katharine Hayhoe…
Insisting on an immediate move to 100% renewable energy, yesterday's release of The Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change urged the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to take a stand for the environment by reimagining the way…
The United Church of Canada has moved to divest almost $6 million in holdings from fossil fuels, a resource they plan to reinvest in sustainable energy. The second largest Christian denomination of Canada made the historic move on the heels…
In 2009, over 200 Muslim leaders developed a seven-year plan for climate action, an initiative that inspired 1.4 billion Muslims around the world to care for creation. It has been just over six years, and the number of global Muslims…
Climate Caretakers launched this week, offering a new voice in the growing movement of Evangelical Christians acting for the climate. Founded by a coalition of creation care organizations and colleges, including Blessed Tomorrow's partner Sojourners, the group represents a shift…
Howard Zinn famously wrote, "you can't be neutral on a moving train," a declaration that once again finds application in the relationship between faith and climate. The recent global survey, Religion Does Matter for Climate Change Attitudes and Behavior, found…
For over 100 years, there have been parliamentary convenings of world religions (in one form or another) to discuss issues of interfaith outreach, religious education and issues of social justice. This year, October 15-19, Parliament of the World’s Religions will…
Pope Francis has made a concerted effort to include various faith groups in the discussion on climate change. From Buddhist communities to Jewish leaders, religious groups are joining the interfaith coalition to care for God's creation, a moral response to…
What can a 21-year-old college student do about climate change? More than you might expect. A coalition of 20 students associated with Chicago's Sisters of Mercy, traveled to Washington D.C. to appeal to congressional leaders for climate action. Teaming with our…
Many faith facilities are trying hard just to keep the lights on (often the problem), making creation care initiatives something they intend for the future when things level out. As Ethics Daily writer and editor, Zach Dawes learned while suggesting…
Two weeks ago, I attended the Disciples of Christ biennial General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. Disciples are a founding partner of Blessed Tomorrow, so I was invited to join and help announce our partnership, share fellowship, and dialog with Disciples…
The sweltering heat of July is a lingering reminder that the climate is changing, a reality that rest heavy on my heart. Going down as one of the hottest months on record, July is just another indicator that we must…
In a historic move, President Obama developed a plan to reduce carbon emissions in America by 32 percent, and faith leaders have expressed their support. One-Hundred and eighty faith leaders from various religious communities, including Blessed Tomorrow leader Rev. Gabriel…
Pope Francis is coming to America in September to address Congress on climate change and we are standing with him! Thousands will gather on September 24th, at Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, to join as one moral voice calling on…
In September 2014, 700,000 people took to the streets to demand climate action from government leaders during the People's Climate March. The astounding number of participants included UN officials, politicians, labor unions and faith leaders, uniting under a single banner…
If asked, most Americans would likely know something about climate change. Which made the recent news that 40% of the global population has never heard of climate change all the more shocking. And, as a strange twist of irony, those…
Climate action hero, Bill Mckibben penned an article for the Boston Globe – a compelling look at the long history of climate action in Ameican religious traditions. Noting Blessed Tomorrow leaders, Mary Evalyn Tucker and Jim Antal, Mckibben's reflection dispells misinterpretations that…
Nurses around the world are reminded daily of the devastating effect climate change is having on our health. As Asthma and other respiratory problems increase, health care officials are determined to act on climate change, and they are calling on…
With COP21 just five months away, organizations are attempting to preemptively address many of the issues scheduled to be addressed in September. While US mayors were at the Vatican, hashing out climate issues with the Pope, faith leaders from around…
For over 50 years, the Sisters of Loretto (Loretto Community), a Catholic coalition of ordained sisters and laypeople have maintained creation care as one of their core tenants. So, it came as no surprise when they decided to divest their financial…
Why should an Evangelical Christian care about climate change? Put simply, "because climate action is about defending human life," a calling that many Christians believe is at the heart of the gospel. For Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) President, Mitch Hescox, the cornerstone…
The entire earth is holy ground, making it is our sacred duty as stewards of His creation to care for every piece of it. Which is why Blessed Tomorrow's founding partner, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), have joined us in…
The White House took the time on Monday afternoon to honor some of America's 'faith champions' making an impact on climate action. The list of those being honored (below) demonstrates a shared moral imperative with a tremendous ability to bring…
A new Pew Research poll examines popular concern over climate change around the globe. Forty-two percent of Americans polled agree that climate change is a grave concern, with a much higher number of Hispanic-Americans expressing concern (61%). Yale Climate Connection…
Eid Mubarak my Muslim brothers and sisters! Eid al-Fitr is here and Ramadan has come to a close. Now, that the fast is complete, we have extra energy to reflect on what it means to be a Muslim. Out of…
Momentus Path to Positive 2015 Leadership Summit was a major success, but before we begin planning next year's event, let’s pause to reflect on the astounding leadership from our faith community at these proceedings. We were so honored to welcome…
Focusing on three areas of discussion, Lausanne Creation Care Network is hosting Creation Care and the Gospel Conference: Canada/US, July 27 – July 31, 2015. God’s Word (theology) God’s World (science) God’s Work (our response) In collectively addressing these issues…
Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si is a Catholic document but is it exclusively for Catholics? While its rhetoric urging people to care for creation employs traditional Catholic verbiage, it’s resonating catch phrase calling everyone to ‘care for our common home,’…
David Malone of Interfaith Power and Light (a Blessed Tomorrow partner) penned a thank you to Pope Francis for inspiring millions with his Encyclical, Laudato Si. I would like to echo that appreciation, speaking to the deep nature at which…
Climate change holds a dramatic impact on the well-being of our children, causing an estimated 150,000 asthma attacks annually. Which is why faith leaders joined Moms Clean Air Force this past week as they held a ‘play-in,’ where over 400…
This past May, Blessed Tomorrow encouraged you to participate in a joint effort between COIN (Climate Outreach and Information Network) and Our Voice, to survey what climate messaging strategies work best in the 5 largest faith traditions: Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish…
Recently my friend Lisa Restrom, co-founder of Divest-Invest Individual, a movement of individual investors divesting from oil, gas, and coal and investing in the emerging new energy economy, inspired me with her urging on Facebook, to read Pope Francis’ recent encyclical…
The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church ended last week with a groundbreaking new commitment to climate action. The proceeding held in Salt Lake City, Utah spent a great deal of time focusing on the moral issue of climate…
America is quietly becoming a global climate leader. With China following our lead last week, America has gone from minor climate action to one of the most proactive members joining COP21 this December. And, the nearly 30% reduction in emissions…
In February, we reported the ambiguous regulations of solar power in Indiana, and how it was affecting small churches. Similarly, North Carolina’s Faith Community Church is facing a dilemma after state legislation banning third party resell of solar power was…
Popular astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson has displayed public support for both the Pope and the Vatican in a series of tweets from his personal account: “Yes, it’s possible to be a supreme holy figure yet still know what you are talking…
If a sign reading, “SOLAR POWER IS FROM THE HEAVENS,’ doesn’t bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will. And, smiles were in abundance as thousands of people from various faith backgrounds marched on Rome to express…
Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Jersey City, Long Island and Tel Aviv – These are just a few of the cities projected to be submerged under water by 2070 if we maintain our current path. While these future threats are perhaps what motivate some,…
The White House U.S. Buddhist Leaders Conference convened last month with an emphasis placed on the pan-Buddhist movement and climate change. Using 2009’s publication on Buddhist Response to the Climate Emergency, Buddhist leaders discussed ways in which their shared concern…
When Blessed Tomorrow Leader, Jonathan Merritt wrote Green Like God, he intended to bridge the schism between the eschatologically grounded climate denial of older generations, and the new face of the Southern Baptist Convention, millennials. His approach represented a shift…
In 1977, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Assembly began their first eco-justice initiative, a Task Force on Ecology that evolved into a series of sustainability projects such as Green Chalice. Creating a certification program under the leadership of Rev.…
Representing six various religious practices, the recent list of millennial faith leaders taking action for the climate speaks to the powerful initiative of morally guided religious communities to care for God's creation. While their theological route may differ, they collectively arrive at…
The shooting at African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina coincided with last week's unveil of Pope Francis' climate encyclical. Our hearts go out to those affected by the shooting, and we would like to take a moment to recognize…
In Mark Stoll's investigation on the role of environmentalism in the Baptists tradition (or lack thereof), he focused on the cohort's wavered anti-environmental past. While his examples are compelling they remain oriented in the direction Stoll is facing; toward the past. However, when…
Assalaamu alaykum – It's that time of year again when Muslims around the world will begin their 30-day fast to ‘scorch' away the previous year's habits; practice patience; and realign themselves with the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, Insha'Allah. It is also a time for many…
Pope Francis’ aptly titled encyclical, Laudato Si (Praise Be) is finally here! The day we have all been waiting for is upon us and the document is in our hands. While many will spend the remainder of the day sifting…
Former Philippine climate change commissioner Naderev "Yeb" Saño began his 6 month pilgrimage to COP21 on Monday, with his first stop in Vanuatu, a region still recovering from climate change related disaster. After resigning from his government position, Saño joined Our Voices, an international coalition of interfaith works that are…
Dystopic tales of the earth's destruction are perhaps what fill the seats at theaters these days, but art did not always reflect such a pessimistic view of nature. As Mark Stoll details in his new book, Inherit the Holy Mountain: Religion and the Rise of…
Myths surrounding climate change have become prevalent in today's discourse, giving skeptics a false sense of certainty in their rally against climate action. How do we discern fact from fiction in the climate debate? In anticipation of Pope Francis' climate Encyclical, Caritas Internationalis (A…
Our partner organization, Sojourners recently asked the question, “Why does caring about Jesus mean we should care for the earth?” Creation care has historically relied on passages from the old testament, but as our friends point out, there are plenty…
On May 21, I joined 170 leaders and colleagues at ecoAmerica’s annual MomentUs summit in Washington DC. This is always a special event, with many eminent national leaders from health, business, communities, higher education, and faith gathering to build leadership…
Proceedings for the Halki Summit wrap up today, a joint effort by Southern New Hampshire University and Patriarch Bartholomew to address “Theology, Ecology, and the Word: A Conversation on the Environment, Literature and the Arts.” The second convening follows earlier discussions held in 2012…
In anticipation of Pope Francis' Climate Encyclical set for release on June 18, 2015, Jewish Rabbis have fashioned a Rabbinic letter of their own. Inspired by Pope Francis' moral imperative to care for G-d's creation, seven Rabbis have penned a compelling plea for Jews to…
In conversing with faith leaders, Episcopal Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas has found a disconnect in the way we think about our religious beliefs and our personal/church finances. While most faith leaders agree that climate change is happening due in large part to the…
Climate change is arguably the greatest threat facing our children today. The decisions we make regarding the EPA's proposed Clean Power Plan, for example, will alter the world we leave for future generations. Still, the issue is more immediate than…
Climate Change is a difficult concept to comprehend, forcing many to rely on their value systems to determine their reaction to this critically important issue. Author Per Espen Stoknes shared, "If there's a conflict between the facts, so to speak, and…
Every effective communications strategy has symbols and climate change is not exempt from this tradition. They help us understand issues that often evade our comprehension due in part to the magnitude and complexity at which they operate. How do we understand the severity of melting…
Do you know a leader inspired by faith who is making a difference for social justice? If so, then it's time to nominate them for exclusive admission to Sojourner's Summit: World Change Through Faith and Justice. We are proud to sponsor…
It's that time of year when Muslims around the world partake in the month long Islamic holiday of Ramadan. Every night, the daily fast is broken with Iftar, a gathering of people at mosque and homes around the world –…
Pope Francis may have sought his initial influence from Saint Francis for his relationship with nature, but his renewed action is fueled by Catholics around the world acting for the climate today. With the scientific conclusion that humans are causing…
“We have to stop being defensive,” Total CEO Patrick Pouyanné said in regard to past climate irresponsibilities. His words mark what many are viewing as a necessary change in climate attitudes by those that arguably matter most in these discussions:…
The Jerusalem Post released a list of the 50 most influential Jews around the world, two of which are making major changes for the climate. While Efi Stenzler, ‘Israel’s Green Minister’ as he is affectionately called, is busy saving vast…
Swaddled in a blanket of misconception, one Evangelical theologian spent years of his life publicly denying climate change. Working with the understanding that climate change was a hoax, propagated by left-wing conspiracy theorists, Dr. Scott Rodin dissuaded a great many…
Religious traditions have long been (unfairly) pigeonholed as the antithesis of scientific discovery, and while particular branches of faith tend to deny climate change more than others, new studies indicate that this trend is more so political than it is…
Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics and so many more Christian denominations are joining a global effort to tread ‘more lightly' on God's creation. The Biblical mandate is clear, for Christians to act as ‘custodians of creation,' just as Adam was told to…
Our friends at COIN (Climate Outreach and Information Network) have joined with Our Voice to develop new ways to engage people of faith, and they need your help. Our Voice, who has instituted successful campaigns such as Light for Lima is asking people…
“Since we had such a large lawn, we thought that we want to set an example, not only for ourselves, but also for the community,” shared Brian Sheffield, general manager of Los Angeles' Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After…
News stories are in abundance regarding Pope Francis' Climate Encyclical, but what about the people helping him write it? Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace has been a primary consultant for Pope Francis' development…
The number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped 8% since 2007, according to Pew Research. The largest proportion of these ‘nones' are found in the droves of Millennials leaving the church, forcing many faith leaders to reevaluate their approach.…
"God will call them to judgment one day, and it will be seen if they truly tried to provide food for him in every person, and if they worked so that the environment would not be destroyed, but could produce…
While the implications of climate change may be devastating to economic prosperity, national security and agricultural resources, the harsh reality of how it will affect less affluent societies is perhaps the most astounding. As Dr. Susan F. Martin from Georgetown University shared,…
Jeb Bush made waves this week after addressing a crowd at Liberty University regarding the importance of faith-based creation care. Bush shared his religious conviction to care for God’s creation stating, “America’s environmental debates, likewise, can be too coldly economical,…
The environmental movement, with its origins in nation park conservation at the beginning of the 20th century, has taken many shapes over the decades. Following an onslaught of messaging campaigns and educational materials, the environmental movement has maintained its use of leadership…
Last month, Muslim leaders gathered at the Vatican to discuss the moral implications of climate change. Apart from Muslim majority countries expected to suffer the greatest from climate change, there is another reason the distinguished Imams were invited. Islam, since its…
Rachel Evans has faced a lot of scrutiny following the release her Washington Post article. And, while I will not speak to the surface level complaints she has of church conduct, I will weigh in on the underpinning of her…
The list of attendees scheduled to appear at the University of the District of Columbia Law School are some of the most influential climate leaders in America, such as EPA's Mustafa Ali and 350.0rg's, Bill McKibben. The meeting is however,…
Dina Medland recently penned an article regarding a joint effort by the world's top corporations to reduce carbon emissions. Much of the language employed by Medland was an act to illuminate the similarities between running a business and supporting climate…
In recent months, top leaders have been forced to take a stance on climate change, such was the case when Bernie Sanders pressed the senatorial issue last January. Now, the oil industry has been asked to do the same, and…
Climate opinions in America are difficult to track and often waver with the political tide – an ebb and flow of economic and party line rhetoric. While surveys such as the Sage Report demonstrate that Americans place high concern on monetary risks, moral…
According to a Pew Research poll, 61 percent of Hispanic Catholics agree that climate change is human-caused and should be addressed, while only 40 percent of white Catholics share a similar sentiment. Why is this? While Pope Francis' leadership has been critical in…
I met my husband Jim 15 years ago this June at a Christian rock festival in rural western Pennsylvania. Neither of us had gone for the music – Jim was there staffing the table for his organization, Evangelical Environmental Network,…
Ban Ki-Moon delivered his keynote speech yesterday to a proverbial who's-who of religious leaders at the Vatican hosted conference on climate change. In preparation for Pope Francis' climate encyclical, scheduled to release in the next month or so, UN officials and interfaith leaders…
In the Book of Genesis, God created the world, forming water, land, and humans. In making His creation, God imposed limitation on the formed world, and while some consider creation to be static, His development of a creation is a…
There are many reasons to care about climate change, from economic prosperity to the overall health of humanity. As displayed by the organization, Health Care Without Harm, there is a foundational moral imperative to care for our neighbor that requires the guidance…
From senatorial snowballs to energy company campaigns, discussions of climate change are often the breading ground for ill-informed opinions that alter the actions of everyday Americans. While climate discussions are imperative to the overall issue, it is important that we…
On Tuesday, Pope Francis sent out a call to care for creation as a matter of caring for all of humanity (via Twitter!). His Papal Encyclical on the environment, due out this summer, is expected to include a call for moral…
The 45th annual Earth Day is upon us, prompting President Obama to speak about climate change during his weekly address, sharing, ‘It is about protecting our God given natural wonders.’ But, to do this, we need faith leaders to speak…
Blessed Tomorrow Leader, Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-founder of Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, recently offered some advice for Non-Catholics who wish to engage the Pope’s Climate Encyclical. While the exact parameters of the doctrine are still unclear, the nature…
This past week, DC was inundated with Blessed Tomorrow partners for an Interfaith Power and Light conference on caring for God’s creation. The attendees included Matthew Sleeth of Blessed Earth, who is an acting leader for Blessed Tomorrow. Along with…
Just when you thought 2015 climate action couldn't get any better, the Vatican announced plans to host a climate change conference on April 28, 2015. With the Pope's Climate Encyclical anticipated to release in the coming months, he has organized a global effort…
Nature is a manifestation of God's love. It is His greatest doing in our vast universe, giving us a momentary glimpse into the magnitude that is His powerful being. And, while Earth Day is a moment to reflect on this awesome power, it is more…
Climate communications often revolve around the question, 'Do you believe in climate change?' To which, Evangelical, climate scientist, Katharine Hayhoe responds, "Do you believe in gravity?" During her recent speech at the "Religion and the Roots of Climate Change Denial"…
Reverend Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori's categorization of climate change denial as 'sinful,' stirred up some interesting discussion last week. A panel of distinguished religious leaders were asked to speak on the matter of climate change being a moral issue, and…
Tim DeChristopher recently penned an open letter (of sorts) to faith leaders in America, encouraging them to lead the climate movement, rather than simply follow it. DeChristopher's wax-poetic on the necessary role that faith leaders play in environmental justice, emphasizes…
For the eighth consecutive year, The United Methodist of Georgia are organizing their conference, "Environmental Resurrection: Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters," scheduled April 24-26. From environmental justice, to more sustainable behavior changes, the conference attempts to press the moral mandate of…
Thirty young Evangelicals recently made the long journey to Kenya, Africa to experience the drastic impact of climate change on farmers in the region. In an attempt to push climate talks beyond politics, the group has developed videos and online…
As sea levels rise, so do global religious populations, according to PEW Research Center's latest report. Causing many climate motivators to reorient their approach to the conveyance of climate change. In George Marshall's recent article for the Guardian, he asked Blessed Tomorrow leader, Joel Hunter,…
April 22nd marks the 45th consecutive celebration of Earth Day. Once championed by the subset of 1960s counterculture, Earth Day has transformed into a global movement in which millions look for ways to care to for God's creation. Moreover, it…
From Lourdes to Hajj, the religious pilgrimage is a staple of all faith traditions. Intended to insight and cultivate a spiritual awakening, the arduous journeys are often conducted with the intention of evoking a change in behavior, moral prosperity and…
2 Chronicles 15:7 states, ‘But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’ Courageous leadership in the face of opposition is doing the Lord’s work, and President Obama is doing just that!…
Where can you find a bishop, a doctor, and a mayor talking about climate change, and collaborating on ways to inspire Americans and faith communities on solutions? The Path to Positive 2015 MomentUs Leadership Summit, that's where! How often do 200…
Any person that follows Papal news, knows that climate change has become a major talking point for Pope Francis. Considering the Vatican's longstanding dedication to care for the world's poorest, this line of rhetoric is to be expected. What's unique about Catholic…
Catholics around the world are probably familiar with the phrase, 'preferential option for the poor.' This commonly used talking point within the Catholic Church may seem isolated to discussions of Catholic theology, but in actuality, it is a critical component…
Frank. Straightforward. Unrelenting. These are the words that best describe the climate communications of Episcopal Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. Calling climate change denial a 'blind position,' Schori, a trained oceanographer, has used her ordainment to one of America's highest religious positions to…
Climate change is a women's issue, according to World Vision president and Blessed Tomorrow faith leader Richard Stearns. While it remains an issue that affects us all, Stearns explains in a recent blog for the Huffington Post, that when you consider how…
We are pleased to announce several additional speakers who will be joining our 2015 MomentUs Leadership Summit, taking place May 20-21 in Washington, DC. Our eminent speakers will share their thought leadership to chart a new course on climate change.…
Jesuits Universities in America have long since been a tight network of higher education leaders, and now the timeless institutions are extending their efforts to climate change. Over the weekend, Jesuit universities from all over America, and delegates form around…
Climate change has become a growing issue in churches across America with black faith communities leading the charge. The trend in these communities came as no surprise when you consider that minority faith traditions have historically been at the forefront of…
Self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Republican and Christian, Jay Faison is bridging the gap between climate action and politically conservative Americans. After having left the corporate world, Mr. Faison decided to refocus his efforts on educating people about the moral imperative to…
God answered Job's cry with a 'whirlwind' of esoteric knowledge (Job 38:1), elevating him to a higher plane of wisdom; and once again, He is answering humankind's plea with a gust. Recent studies found that wind (and solar) energy usage…
Curious to know who will be sharing their insights at the 2015 MomentUs Leadership Summit? In addition to the growing list of attendees, we are pleased to announce our starting lineup of great speakers. Path to Positive, the 2015…
At times, climate change can feel overwhelming, but that isn't stopping faith groups who are taking minor steps toward major change. The Huffington Post recently asked a number 'civic ecology stewards' why they think small environmental restoration projects are important…
Religious leaders and organizations have joined forces to encourage Pfizer Pharmaceutical company to cut ties with climate change denier American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). The coalition of almost 80 groups (religious and non-religious) cite ALEC's denial of climate change and opposition…
Wednesday, April 22nd will mark the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Started in 1970 in the United States, the original Earth Day is credited as the launch of the modern environmental movement and inspiring legislation such as the Endangered Species…
ecoAmerica is pleased to announce our 5th annual leadership summit. Path to Positive, the 2015 MomentUs Leadership Summit, is being held on May 20th and 21st, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Path to Positive begins with the simple premise that the greatest obstacle to our nation…
Pope Francis is scheduled to release his Climate encyclical in the next few months, in which he will guide 1.2 billion Roman Catholics on how to engage climate change. While the specifics of the encyclical are still a mystery, it…
The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) releases annual statistics on climate change for the previous year and the year to come. According to their recent report, 51.2 million people were displaced by climate change last year, and the number is…
Last month I wrote about the struggle of Indiana churches to maintain current solar energy practices from encroaching legislation that would bankrupt many worship facilities. This past week, the story resurfaced as solar energy defenders found an unlikely partner, the…
Climate change is a moral issue that requires the leadership of faith communities just as much it requires the efforts of scientists and politicians. But where does a faith leader begin and how do they get started in preaching green…
A recent IPSOS poll taken from 2,827 Americans found that two-thirds of respondents (62%) believe global leaders are morally obligated to act on climate change. Additionally, seventy-two percent of respondents feel that climate action is a personal, moral obligation. Eric Sapp, executive…
What does a 131-year-old church have to do with creation care? Everything. Apart from needing to cut cost, United Church of Granville understands that reducing energy consumption is a moral imperative that requires the attention of faith communities everywhere. In…
The question is often raised: what is humankind's role in nature? Depending on what scholarly exegesis you subscribe to, you might arrive at different answers. Regardless of whether humankind is meant to lord over or live in congruence with God's…
Scripture has, and always will be a source of malleable symbolism, offering motivation in the most unlikely of places. As Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein thumbed through the story of Queen Esther, he couldn't help but notice representations of our current climate concerns. Using the…
Unsafe drinking water kills 5,000 children around the world, every day. Climate change has contributed to this atrocity through increased droughts that limit access to clean drinking water. While this number may seem like too much for the heart to…
Worship facilities across the US are signing up for Green Faith's certification program that designates churches, synagogues and mosque as being eco-friendly facilities. While the two-year intensive program might seem difficult for most, Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring obtained an eco friendly facility in a more…
The Keystone XL bill 'has earned my veto,' President Obama explained in his veto message on Tuesday. After six years of battle, the TransCanada Corp pipeline that would have transported 830,000 barrels a day of mostly Canadian oil sands crude to Nebraska en route…
Climate Communication can be dicey water as the discourse summons political affiliation, scientific distrust and self interest from deniers. One semantic misstep and a climate communicator is liable to windup in the hot seat. Making it imperative for climate leaders to choose their…
Prolific Writer and Blessed Tomorrow Leader, Jonathan Merritt, has an endless catalog of profound proclamations on the cultural relevance of faith in today's society. Apart from the release of his recent book, Jesus is Better Than You Imagined, Merritt offers tips and…
This Wednesday marked the beginning of the season of Lent in the Christian tradition. As you may know, Lent, which lasts for 40 days until Easter Sunday on April 5th, is a time of reflection and discipline when many Christians…
Christian views on the environment have manifest in many ways since Gutenberg's advent of the printing press, which allowed laypeople to perform personal exegesis. As more insights on the scriptures developed, so did our understanding of humankind's relationship to God's creation.…
Lent is upon us and many Catholics are approaching this religious time of repentance in a new way. Catholics around the world are carbon fasting for Lent by reducing their use of carbon emitting products, namely fossil fuels, or fasting…
For many Christians, Catholic or not, the Earth is a physical manifestation of God's love. While all maintain His presence in their heart, many see the beauty of His grace in every landscape, trickling stream, and bird that gently soars through the air. Pope…
We have all been there, demonstrating to someone the scientific evidence that climate change is real and man-made, just as their eyes glaze over in discontent. According to a study published in the journal, Nature Climate Change, leading with scientific evidence is a…
A conservative estimate of emissions resulting from the burning fossil fuels is around 6%, according to the EPA. That’s not including the production necessary to manufacture those energies. While leaders across America have made tremendous headway in encouraging top officials…
This weekend marks the 5th annual Preach-In On Global Warming, hosted by our partner, Interfaith Power and Light. With events happening across the country, this year’s Preach-In is bound to be stupendous. Already, the organization has drafted over 70,000 postcards…
Journalist from around the world gathered to witness the historic event of COP20 in Lima this past fall. Their reaction to the proceeding was largely pessimistic, claiming that the political mechanisms in place were too esoteric and antiquated for true action to…
How would you describe climate change to someone if you were limited to the length of an elevator ride? That's the question posed by Climate Crocks to Blessed Tomorrow Leader, Katharine Hayhoe, a Climate Scientist at Texas Tech University. Hayhoe, an Evangelical Christian…
The Episcopal Church has received two-years of funding for creation ministries in Tennessee. The $48,000 stipend is part of an environmental stewardship fellowship awarded from the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, an internal Episcopal mechanism that advocates solutions to a…
Solar energy legislation might not seem like a big deal for faith communities, but for parishes such as Cumberland First Baptist Church and Englewood Christian Church, solar panel legislation will determine the success of they're existing creation care campaigns. Over the…
At Blessed Tomorrow, we view climate change as an ethical issue that requires moral leadership. While moral leadership has historically come from a wide range of people (politicians, teachers, etc…), faith leaders have overwhelmingly led the way. From Martin Luther King,…
Faith-based objections to climate change realities are often grounded in a theological understanding of humankind's inability to manipulate the world. As climate denying senator, James Inhofe suggests, 'some people are so arrogant to think that they are so powerful that…
Any faith leader can tell you that addressing mental illness is a difficult aspect of their leadership. While opinions on how to medically treat mental illness may vary, one thing is certain; climate change doesn't help! EcoAmerica's Report, Beyond Storms…
The Jewish festival, Tu B’Shevat, is just around the corner and you know what that means — time to celebrate trees! Tu B’Shevat is a new year celebration for trees, marking the end of their harvest cycle and the beginning…
The call has gone out for faith communities to divest from fossil fuels; and while many religious institutions have taken the call-to-action seriously, Rev. Jim Wallis has taken it personally. For 2015, the president of Sojourners, a founding partner of Blessed Tomorrow,…
Head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy, is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis this Friday to discuss the 'moral issue' of climate change; a concern she shares with President Obama who recently ventured to India for climate talks. While…
Teaching creation care to your congregation can start to feel cumbersome, at times. You've done the leg work, uncovered scriptural teachings that command our stewardship of His creation, but what now? The Field Guide To Faith & Nature, has produced, How to Use…
The Book of Genesis depicts God's ordering the world out of chaos; forming all that we see today. Man-made climate change is, in many ways, digressing that glorious act and returning us to the chaos from which we came. While Genesis has…
The 114th congressional body is the most religiously diverse committee to ever occupy the House of Representatives. With the first Buddhist, Hindu and self identifying "None" being welcomed into the fold — understanding how religious beliefs influence congressional attitudes on…
Desert News asked the question: Why do religious people of color care so much about climate change? Simply put, they have to. The answer to this question is actually two-fold, but let's first take a look at the data, to better orient…
The Mormon Church may not be stealing news headlines when it comes to climate change, but that doesn't mean they haven't been active in the creation care movement. Over the past three years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day…
Yale University's, Take Five Series, sat down with Blessed Tomorrow leader, Mary Evelyn Tucker, to discuss her thoughts on creation care in academia as a professor of Religion and Ecology. Tucker, along with her husband, Brian Thomas Swimme have been working in…
Pope Francis' recent visit to the Philippines is another caveat to his impending climate encyclical, scheduled for release this Spring. Calling the current generation "a culture of waste," Pope Francis is clearly not mixing his words. Taking things up a notch, the progressive…
Martin Luther King Jr. was a champion of social justice who often relied on his Baptist theology to motivate millions through arguably one the most difficult times in American history. Once again, America is faced with trials that test our…
Evangelical pastor, Brian McLaren and Rev. Cameron Trimble, recently published, An Open Letter to the Republican Congress; in which they contend: "We…care for the earth because like you, we are not scientists, which means we are obligated to listen to scientists, 97 percent of…
At Blessed Tomorrow, we emphasis the importance of faith leaders, leading by example; and 74 year-old Deanna Spatz, coordinator of Beyond the Bin, is a shining example of such efforts. With the assistance of St. Anthony Parish, Spatz has instituted a…
Recent news has been abuzz with talks of a carbon tax for the US, such as the Washington Post article, Oil's Swoon Creates the Opening for a Carbon Tax. Largely, this has been a reaction to falling oil prices – raising the question: should…
UN Secretary General, Ban Ki- Moon, named climate change a top priority for 2015. His Thursday speech to the general assembly unveiled his, Sustainable Development plan, that outlines his list of objectives for the next 12 months. Referring to 2015 as a…
The evidence of humankind's contribution to climate change is irrefutable; the effects of which are happening quicker than we had anticipated. In 2012, over 30 million people were displaced as a result of climate change. As Moti Rieber penned in his opinion…
Pope Francis' highly anticipated climate encyclical is considered to be the Catholic Church's most profound statement on the environment; and while it is no doubt monumental, the Catholic Church has actually been working on climate education for over two decades.…
With church attendance dropping across the US, many faith leaders are having difficulty 'keeping the lights on' (which may be the actual problem). The overhead for running a religious facility can be high, with energy cost topping the list. While…
Never has a more poignant representation of creation care discourse been displayed than when Anna Jane Joyner penned a compelling open letter to her Evangelical superstar father, Rick Joyner. Her earnest plea, “Daddy, I know you are someone who takes…
Every religious leader holds a sacred duty to guide their congregates on matters of social justice. Faith leaders provide a moral compass that assist us in navigating issues of ethics and communal good, but many religious leaders have trouble determining…
The induction of Post Modern thought has allowed counter narratives to thrive in a seemingly blissful land of pluralism. This newfound subtlety of truth has opened our eyes to an astounding level of analyses. Alas, how is a faith leader supposed…
Pope Francis has become a momentous advisory for the climate since his election in March 2013. From the announcement of an encyclical designed to instruct 1.2 billion Roman Catholics on climate action, to his meeting with UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres,…
When 30 year-old Ben Lowe isn't running for political office, meeting with Presidential advisors or penning a new book, he's busy traversing the US speaking to young Evangelicals about climate action. In accompaniment with Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA),…
2014 was a great year for the climate with people of all faiths answering the call to climate action. With 2015 just around the corner, it's imperative that we keep this momentum going by resolving to make bigger and more…
Katharine Hayhoe, a political science professor and climate scientist at Texas Tech University, has worked tirelessly over the years to educate religious communities about climate action through a series relentless speaking engagements. Apart from being a renowned climate scientists, Hayhoe…
Faith communities around the world are inextricably linked by a concern for the poor. With 36 million poor people being displaced by climate change in 2009, and an estimated 50 million by 2050, climate action is undeniably an issue of…
On Friday, November 21st, the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), in partnership with the American Academy of Religion (AAR), released the results of a 3,000-person national survey in a report entitled “Believers, Sympathizers, and Skeptics.” This is a second blog…
The UNFCCC climate talks in Peru were a proverbial who’s-who of religious leaders, scientists and political diplomats; further solidifying climate action as a unifier of social causes. From the World Council of Churches (WCC) to the Quaker United Nations Office,…
Christmas is just two days away and soon, millions around the world will gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a beautiful time when families come together to hang stockings above the fireplace, string lights around the house…
Children are the lifeblood of any congregation, but when it comes to ecclesiastic climate education, the youth are often overlooked. A perceived inability for them to have a real impact on the environment has led us to neglect our creation…
At ecoAmerica, one of our main priorities is empowering leaders to build support for climate action. There’s a reason leaders are such an important part of our strategy. Whether they’re the head of a corporation, a church, or a community…
Over two thousand years have passed since the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem; and still, the Maccabee triumph over the Seleucid Empire serves as a motivational tool for Jews around the world. While the menorah oil miraculously lasted the Maccabees eight…
For mainline Protestant churches in America, 23% of the worship community is over the age of 65; most of whom are retired. And, while many rely on this demographic of baby boomers for sage wisdom and an encyclopedic recall of…
Jesus, compelled to make his case for helping those in need, recounted the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37); a parable that in today's Christian world gets a lot of use. For the Good Samaritan, those in need were…
As the United Nation's climate conference in Lima came to a close, Christina Figueres voiced one final plea to religious leaders around the world. Once again the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary has urged faith leaders…
“We could create an A.A.R. Sabbatical Year,” suggested Dr. Laurie Zoloth, president of the American Academy of Religion, during her opening remarks at the organization's recent gathering in San Diego, California. Falling in line with this year's theme, ‘fighting climate change,'…
ecoAmerica and the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions (CRED) at Columbia University and are proud to announce the release of their new communications guide, Connecting on Climate: A Guide to Effective Climate Change Communication. The guide explains how…
With 3 million young people leaving the church each year, faith leaders are resorting to highly unusual tactics in an effort to regain their divorced congregates. Instead of building a McDonald’s church, as one group has suggested, perhaps we should…
97% of climate scientists agree that climate change is real and that it is man-made. With all this scientific data floating around, why does religion play such a crucial role in convincing people of these findings? Some suggest that it has…
Creationist Ken Ham has accepted climate change as a reality! Well, not quite. His recent ‘Answers in Genesis’ article insists that, "No matter how many times we say that we do not deny climate change, secularists continue to say that we…
“Religion matters,” echoed through Washington DC as Secretary of State, John Kerry welcomed Special Representative to Muslim Communities, Shaarik H. Zafar. His words were clear and without equivocation as he called on Christians to address climate change for the sake…
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), along with Environmental Entrepreneurs, are dispelling the myth that Evangelicals are skeptical about climate change. According to a recent article, the two groups have drafted a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supporting a…
This week in Lima, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) kicks off what some are calling the most critical discussion on climate action to date. With the 2015 UNFCCC Paris negotiations fast approaching, these talks will act as a…
Faith leaders in Denver, Colorado are speaking out against the proposed expansion of Interstate 70, designed to accommodate a growing number of cars in the area. The state funded project would swell air pollution and potentially displace thousands of low…
When the first Israeli Kibbutz was founded in 1909, many theorized that it would never last. By 1940, the fraternity of Jewish farms had risen just over 80, propelling sustainability (and Zionism) to new levels. More than one-hundred years later,…
Religious pilgrimages and accompanying festivals have forever been a staple of faith-based groups around the world. To embark on an arduous journey, solely for the purpose of connecting to a physical landmark that once served as an abstract pillar of…
Do pro-life opinions obligate you to creation care initiatives? Many Christians are starting to think so and their argument is actually quite straight-forward. If you believe that a child's right to life should be protected, shouldn’t you aim to protect that…
The holidays are here and we all know how difficult it can be when ‘politicized’ issues arise between family members. While it’s easier to leave these polarizing discussions at the door, if done correctly, positive discourse about climate change can…
Yale University hosted a conference to publicly unpack Christian responses to Brian Swimme’s, Journey of the Universe; a film that explores what William James called the ‘unseen order of the universe.’ In it, Swimme marvels not just at the creation…
When the Pew Research Institute released their pivotal 2012 survey on ‘nones’ in America, it took the religious world by storm and remains an issue still heavily discussed today. The discourse surrounding the faction that makes up 20% of the…
American faith communities have long since been a major component of climate action on both a national and local level. From the Midwest-Dust Bowl that buried an entire culture in the 1930s, to NASA’s recent discovery of a methane cloud…
“Let’s use the bell in the church steeple for its original purpose, to sound the alarm and rally the town…to awaken to the challenge of our age,” announced Rev. Dr. Jim Antal at Harvard Divinity School’s Spiritual and Sustainable conference, an…
Evangelical Environmental Network CEO, Mitch Hescox, a pastor and former coal worker, knows a thing-or-two about Christian attitudes on climate change. His recent adoption of the term ‘evangelical environmentalist’, coupled with his creation care sentiments, have compelled him to traverse…
Protecting the environment is not only our civic duty, it is a ‘sacred trust’ bestowed by God, according to Gary Payton. He explains, “If we use rules to respect and restrain ourselves in manmade places of worship, we should be…
“It is so much more than about raising money. It is about doing the right thing by our faith. Embracing renewable energy demonstrates a love of God and of creation. It also reminds us that our energy choices impact the…
“¿Cuánto cuesta?” asks Blessed Tomorrow Executive Committee member and National Latino Evangelical Coalition President Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero in a recent op-ed for The Huffington Post. In English, “How much does it cost?” In response to climate solutions, such as proposed EPA carbon regulations on power plants, some…
People of faith have always played a crucial role in the success of moral movements within the United States, from abolition, to civil rights, to the endangered species act. At Climate Week in New York City this September, this tradition continues. …
A recent article in the Boston Globe features Dr. Dorothy Boorse, a biology professor at a Christian evangelical school, Gordon College, in Wenham, Massachusetts. Dr. Boorse helps to break the stereotype that the evangelical community is anti-science and skeptical of climate change. In fact,…
The National Religious Coalition on Creation Care, a Blessed Tomorrow partner, has produced a powerful new interfaith statement on climate change. The statement demonstrates how people of faith from many different traditions have united around climate change as a moral…
Earlier this month, I attended the first annual Sojourners Summit, a national gathering of over 300 prominent faith leaders that included an outstanding list of speakers, discussions, and trainings. The summit addressed social justice challenges many faith communities are championing,…
"As faith leaders, it is time to organize and mobilize. We have the largest networks of people trying to do what is right of any organizations in the world," says, Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson (a member of the Blessed Tomorrow Executive Committee and…
For many people, climate is abstract. But for Rev. Dr. Salguero, it’s personal. In a recent op-ed for The Huffington Post, Rev. Dr. Salguero (a member of the Blessed Tomorrow Executive Committee and president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition) explains how has seen climate’s impacts…
A diverse group of high-profile leaders including climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People,” are joining more than 140 leaders from faith, business, health, education and communities to develop actionable solutions to climate…
The Blessed Tomorrow Leadership Circle, comprised of more than 20 faith leaders from around the country, is pleased to announce the official launch of a new national program, Blessed Tomorrow. Blessed Tomorrow empowers faith leaders from across religious traditions to…
Many people give up things like chocolate or coffee for Lent. But carbon? That’s what the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, the conference minister and president of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, and 6,000 other participants across…
While some evangelicals perceive a conflict between faith and science, a growing number are starting to rally for climate solutions, according to a recent article in The Huffington Post. Many evangelical Christians are especially motivated by the fact that climate…
Climate change isn’t just about melting ice caps and stranded polar bears – it’s also an issue that will profoundly affect people. But climate change won’t impact all people equally – research indicates that it will likely hit the world’s…
In this Huffington Post article, Reverend Dr. Gerald Durley of Providence Missionary Baptist Church and the Blessed Tomorrow Leadership Circle reflects on the 50th anniversary of MLK’s "I Have a Dream" speech, and draws connections between the American civil rights…
In this Washington Post article, Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, the former president of the Chicago Theological Seminary, discusses climate change in theological terms: specifically, whether humans bear moral responsibility for extreme weather. Dr. Thistlethwaite explores the many aspects of sin…
Three African-American clergy, including Blessed Tomorrow Leadership Circle members Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, recently spoke at a White House panel on climate change and climate impacts. But these leaders’ presence at the panel was not an isolated…
A new polling report released this month, "American Actions to Limit Global Warming in November 2013" reveals that Americans are willing to take steps in their lives to take action on climate with just a little bit of nudging from those around…
The Church of England announced last week that it would reconsider its financial investments in light of the impact they are having on global climate change, according to an official Church statement that was reported in a Climate Progress article. The Church…
Pope Francis, who named himself after the patron saint of the environment and animals, already made something of a statement about his opinions on environmental issues when he held up an anti-fracking t-shirt last fall. But now, sources in a Huffington Post…