Photo of Raj Patel

When I served as a congregational pastor, I sometimes used the string game with groups of youth or adults to demonstrate our connectedness. The string activity requires that the group stand in a circle throwing a ball of string back and forth across the circle while holding on to your piece of the string. At the end of the activity, there is a web of string that connects each person to the rest. When one person lets go of their piece the whole web sags and when two let go, it collapses.

As people of faith, we understand that we are all connected to each other. We understand that we are one global community. However, many of us, particularly in the U.S. have the privilege of not having to deal with climate change in our daily lives. I am privileged to choose to work toward climate solutions, but many people, particularly in the global south, do not have that privilege. 950 million people are dealing with water scarcity that is due to or impacted by climate change.

The film, The Ants & The Grasshopper, follows Malawian farmer Anita Chitaya as she travels to the U.S. to convince Americans that climate change is a real and urgent threat. Join me for another episode of Let’s Talk Climate, as we talk to award-winning author, academic, and film-maker Raj Patel to discuss how his new documentary shows the transformative power of faith and community in the face of the climate crisis.

Several of Blessed Tomorrow’s partners are hosting free screenings of the film. You are invited to join the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on March 1, 2023 at 7 pm ET for a free screening event. Register here. Invite your congregation to gather for a viewing and use these tools for a Bible Study or Sermon.

 

 

About the Author:
Rev. Carol Devine, Blessed Tomorrow Director, ecoAmerica

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