Photo: Mika Baumeister via Unsplash
Online program to empower lay and ordained for climate justice work in communities
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), in partnership with the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), has developed an online course on climate justice and faith. Interested persons from LWF member churches, both lay and ordained, can now apply. Upon completing the non-degree study program, participants will receive a Certificate in climate justice and faith.
“The curriculum empowers participants to cultivate moral, spiritual, and practical power for leadership in the work of climate justice in communities of faith and in collaboration with others,” says Elena Cedillo, LWF’s Program Executive for Climate Justice.
Topics covered include theology, ethics, and spirituality related to climate justice; climate change knowledge; and social change practices that connect ecological well-being with racial, economic, and gender justice.
This program offers a trans-contextual cohort-based, online curriculum. “It will not only broaden participants’ knowledge but deepen their experience of the global nature of climate justice efforts,” adds Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, LWF Program Executive for Theology. “Participants will explore their understanding of what it means to lead the climate justice work of congregations and groups in their context. They will also deepen a spirituality of climate justice work so that they are equipped to lead others.”
Main learning goals include recognizing and addressing how climate change intersects with racial, economic, and gender-based inequity. Participants will explore the biblical, ethical, theological, and spiritual grounds for climate justice and develop a practical theo-ethical framework for building a more ecologically sustainable and socially equitable society. This program will introduce learners to reports and scientific resources related to climate change and dialogue with interfaith and local partners engaged in climate justice.
The program begins in September and continues until May 2022. “We look forward to long-term collaboration and networking to support participants well beyond the certificate completion date,” adds Cedillo. Applications for the course can be submitted online until 15 June. Scholarships are available based on need.
Both Cedillo and Rimmer will accompany the course.
By LWF/A. Weyermüller
