ENVIRONMENT

"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers."

Psalm 24:1-2


  • A Rocha
    The name 'A Rocha' comes from the Portuguese, meaning 'the rock'. A Rocha is a Christian nature conservation organization, and its first project was in Portugal. They work in countries around the world, focusing on bringing communities together to work on protecting their environments. You can read about current projects, find out how to get involved, order CDs, or download a prayer calendar.

    Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies 
    The mission of this institute is to integrate Biblical principles with care for the earth. They offer an academic college level program, a community program for children and adults, retreats and conferences, and educational materials. You can read past issues of the newsletter, and find out what courses are being offered. 

    Earth Ministry 
    Located in the Puget Sound area, this ministry inspires local congregations to step into leadership in the environmental justice arena. You can order books, find out how to become a "greening congregation", or check out the calendar of events. Read stories from real congregations, find out about interfaith dialogue, or donate online.

    Eco-Justice Ministries 
    This ecumenical organization helps churches develop environmental ministries. They have tips for churches, an email newsletter, reviews of curricula on environmental issues, and even a quotation bank which is easily searched. This is a really useful site that is well organized, containing links and articles as well.

    Eco-Stewards
    The Eco-Stewards programs give college-age youth training in environmental projest to help others. You can also read about, and register for, upcoming programs for 4th-6th graders, find out how to get involved, and read related articles.

    Energy Star 
    Find out how your congregation can cut energy costs by protecting the environment. Read news releases, download free congregational resources, or apply for a national award for your congregation. Links to other environment-related religious sites are also included. 

    Enough for Everyone
    Lots of great ideas and opportunities for helping others and the environment, are available on this site.   Learn more about Just Living, Electric Stewardship, and the Eco-Palms Project, among several initiatives.   There are ideas for individuals, and for congregations.

    Evangelical Environmental Network 
    The purpose of this ministry is to "declare the Lordship of Christ over all creation." Their publication, "Creation Care" magazine, is available for subscription and is published six times per year. Many resources for sermons and Bible study are available on the site. Read about global day of prayer on April 25, 2011, and find out about the Creation Care Institute, which includes monthly calls and trainings on Biblical creation care.

    The Forum on Religion and Ecology 
    This fascinating site promotes dialogue between all religions with other disciplines such as science, education, and public policy, in the area of ecology. The goals of the Forum are research, education, and outreach. Sacred texts, essays, and statements from each major religion are available on the site, as well as essays from intersecting disciplines. You can download resources for classroom use, order books, and research other materials such as videos and CDs for use in studying this topic. 

    The Great Warming 
    "The Great Warming" is a DVD about climate change. There is a special version for churches and synagogues that includes a downloadable Sunday School discussion guide and sermon preparation guide. The website has a page 'for faith communities' that includes downloadable bulletin announcements, endorsement letters from clergy leaders and related web links.

    Interfaith Works 
    Interfaith Works assists religious organizations with their environmental community initiatives. For example, they have a sanctuary exchange program, used for energy-reducing building upgrades. In this way, large inner-city churches with community outreach programs, can benefit from energy-efficient upgrades to their facilities. Interfaith Works also offers a learning curriculum for children, youth, and adults, that helps make connections between faith and the environment. 

    Michigan Interfaith Power & Light 
    This coalition of congregations in Michigan work together to be good stewards of the environment. Find out how to join the coalition, help the environment, and save money too!

    National Council of Churches of Christ - Eco-Justice Programs
    Read news items, or download materials for Earth Day. Register to join the network and share your congregation's activities with others. Find out about campaigns about global warming and energy issues, and how you can become involved. The site also includes links to more information about eco-justice issues. 

    The National Religious Partnership for the Environment 
    This partnership offers education and information on environmental issues in relationship to faith. Jewish, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant groups are all involved. You can read scriptures about the environment, statements from denominations and faith groups, and religious perspectives on environmental issues, such as energy, sustainable economics, health, water, and living creatures.

    Presbyterians for Earth Care
    Their tagline is "Caring for God's creation by connecting, equipping, and inspiring." On this site you can read about regional and national gatherings, Earth Day Sunday, the bottled water campaign, global warming, and energy efficiency. Resources for download are available on the site, as well as lists of suggested hymns, print resources, and scriptures - dealing with the environment.

    Religion and Environment Initiative 
    This is an initiative of the University of Chicago, from an interfaith community. The site contains an online resource guide to websites and books, a calendar of events, and a useful list of links.

    Renewal Project 
    The Renewal Project is a documentary about faith groups and their environmental efforts.   You can purchase the DVD, find out about upcoming events, and read about the making of the film.

    Restoring Eden
    Their mission is "encouraging Christians to learn to love, serve, and protect God's creation." You can sign up to receive their email newsletter, read about current campaigns that the organization is involved in, and read of news and events. You can donate online as well.

    Simple Living
    This organization challenges people of faith to live more simply in order to combat consumerism, help the environment, and live more justly. The site contains an e-store, a blog, and free articles, prayers, and discussion guides about celebrating holidays more simply. Find out how you can volunteer, become a member, or donate to help this cause. 

    Spirit Home - The Ecology of God's Created Universe
    us from nature, as it separates us from God. The author of the site includes several relevant quotes, and challenges us today to find ways to help the environment.

    Target Earth 
    Target Earth's mission is "Serving the Earth, Serving the Poor." This is a national movement of Christians who care about the earth and poor people in every location. Find out how you can help by donating just a dollar per day. You can also join a work team or a global stewardship study program.

    United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Environmental Justice Program 
    The mission of the EJP is to "educate and motivate Catholics to a deeper reverence and respect for God's creation, and to engage parishes and dioceses in activities aimed at dealing with environmental problems, particularly as they affect the poor." Here you will find official statements on the environment, links to projects and programs, news items, and articles. 

    Voices for Earth Justice
    This group holds workshops, sustainable garden consultation, and other environmental programs.  The site contains faith statements about the environment from a spectrum of Christian and Jewish groups.   There are practical tips for 'green' living, as well as a resource page, with book descriptions and links.

    Web of Creation 
    This site is sponsored by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and promotes eco-justice. You can print out "Green Congregation" manuals, and read about ways to educate yourself and your congregation. Denominational statements on environmental policy are also included on the site. Print a copy of the "Stewardship of Creation: a Thirty Day Discipline" to assist in your prayer time, and to take concrete actions to help the environment.