EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume Four, Number Four March/April 1995 FAITH AND ECOLOGY GROUPS BUILD A CONTINENTAL MOVEMENT BOISE ID In February Professor Marie Hoff and Methodist minister John Pitney formed a new faith and ecology group. They invited all acquaintances who were interested to a potluck supper in Hoff's home in Boise. Ten people from four faith communities (Catholic, Mennonite, Episcopalian, Methodist) attended. Besides getting to know each other, the group discussed how to move people beyond studying the issues to eco-justice action. They plan to meet each month. For more information write Dr. Marie Hoff, Dept. of Social Work, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr, Boise ID 83725, 208/385-3149. JACKSONVILLE FL In January 1993 a group of Christian environmentalists, who see humanity's growing detachment from creation as symptomatic of its separation from the Creator, founded Jax Caring for Creation, based in the Christian Family Chapel in Jacksonville. Their vision is for men and women to recognize the creation as a daily manifestation of the Creator and for them to act accordingly. The group has created a traveling exhibit with handouts which they take to conferences, churches, and ecology events. Jax Caring For Creation participates in the Ecumenical Environmental Commission which was formed with the encouragement of the Episcopal Diocese in 1994. The Commission, with Evangelical, Catholic, Episcopalian and Presbyterian members, also has linkages with the Jacksonville Interfaith council on racial and social justice, and with the Environmental Education Resource Council. For more, write John Flowe, Jax Caring for Creation, PO Box 41352, Jacksonville FL 32203. SEATTLE WA Now in its fourth year of connecting people with the creation, the ecumenical Earth Ministry serves approximately 200 congregations in Washington state, 50 of which are in the Puget Sound area. Among other things, Earth Ministry publishes a journal, Earth Letter, hosts ecumenical quarterly regional gatherings, stocks an Environmental Resource Center in the Episcopal Diocesan House, and sponsors a science and spirituality group. Last year Earth Ministry created an award winning set of videos (The Greening of Faith). According to Director Carla Berkedal, their greatest challenge is how to sustain the environmentally concerned minority in any congregation. There is a need for colleague network retreats to provide focus and leadership training. For more information write The Rev. Carla Berkedal or The Rev. James Mulligan, Earth Ministry, 1305 NE 47th St., Seattle WA 98105, 206/632-2426. Home     Table of Contents