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 an attempt to foster synthesis between art and spirituality to address how various forms of expression inform our opinions on sustainability and climate change.
“Any real chance of reversing climate change and the depletion of the earth's resources requires a change in values and belief systems,” shared attendee Fr. John Chryssavgis. The mix of international academics, artists and religious figures demonstrate an effort by global religious leaders to unify the climate change movement, ultimately making the moral discussion more inclusive.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Host International Summit on Environment and the Arts
By Anastasios Papapostolou for Greek Reporter
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will host the second Halki Summit in Heybeliada, Turkey. The summit, to be held June 8-10, is a gathering of activists, scientists, journalists, business leaders, theologians, and academics engaging and working across intellectual boundaries to bring the global environmental discussion to a new and richer place.
Halki Summit II, organized by Ecumenical Patriarchate and Southern New Hampshire University, will focus on “Theology, Ecology, and the Word: A Conversation on the Environment, Literature and the Arts.” Summit participants will discuss the relationship between nature and art. Keynote speakers include renowned literary critic Terry Eagleton, acclaimed American author Terry Tempest Williams, celebrated political economist Raj Patel, award-winning environmental photographer James Balog, and esteemed theologian-apiculturist Timothy Gorringe.
“Any real chance of reversing climate change and the depletion of the earth’s resources requires a change in values and belief systems,” said Fr. John Chryssavgis. “This gathering seeks to bring that dimension of culture change more firmly into the larger international dialogue on sustainability. Our hope is that the participants will leave resolved to include the ethical and spiritual dimension of environmental sustainability in their work going forward.”
