1) The environmental state of the world—basic principles of ecology, critical issues (global warming, ozone depletion, diversity loss, deforestation, desertification, waste, toxic waste, and overpopulation), the human and natural causes of these conditions, and their potential consequences.
2) The human justice issues involved in every aspect of environmental degradation: environmental racism, impact on the most vulnerable, rural and urban issues, global dynamics of poverty and underdevelopment, and neo-colonial exploitation of peoples and the earth.
3) The systemic changes we need to make in the social, cultural, political, and economic structures of our nation, corporations, institutions, and global patterns of interaction to address environmental crises and to create conditions for a sustainable world.
4) Familiarity with national laws and policies (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.) and global conferences and treaties (Montreal Treaty, Rio Convention, Kyoto Protocol) and effective means to advocate for strengthening these measures so as to give voice to the humans and other beings most affected.
5) Knowledge about environmental ethical issues, the movement to create a global ethic (The Earth Charter), and the means to join this effort.
6) Awareness of Christian and denominational traditions that have contributed to earth's problems, what theological and ethical resources might help us, and how to think creatively about environmental situations.
7) How congregations can incorporate care for the earth into their identity and mission—worship, education, property, discipleship at home and work, and public ministry—and the organizing tools and leadership skills to bring about those changes.
Read the Full Article
