Module 2: Religion and Climate Change

Beecken Faith and Leadership

Applications for the 2023-24 course are now open! Click here to apply online

Module 2: Religion and Climate Change

The window for action to turn things around and avert the worst of the climate breakdown is rapidly shrinking. Faith communities are a major but neglected source for mobilization, action, and new imaginings of our relationship with nature. Faith-based organisations own 8% of the habitable land surface, 5% of all commercial forests, 50% of the schools in the world and 10% of world’s total financial institutions. These can all be mobilised in line with the theologies of stewardship and sustainability we find in all the world faiths.

This module will highlight the action of faith leaders and faith-based NGOs, explore religious teaching on themes of climate change through scriptural reasoning, and allow you to think about your modes of influence within the communities you are part of.

By participating in this module, you will:

  • Gain knowledge of the diverse ways in which faith communities and organisations can effect meaningful global change
  • Gain understanding of the links between theological motivation and localised faith community action
  • Engage critically with multiple spiritual perspectives and how this relates to one’s own faith and inter-group engagement
  • Learn from and connect with students from different faith and belief backgrounds in an inclusive, non-assessed educational space

 The module sessions:

Session 1: January 22nd, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Introduction to Religion and Climate Change

A comprehensive introduction to the programme, its ethos and expectations, the reality of the climate crisis and critical engagement with multiple personal and faith-based perceptions.

Session 2: January 29th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Exploring climate theologies

This session will explore different religious understandings of the relationship between humankind and the natural world and what these narratives have to offer the wider climate justice movement through interactive videos and scripture based dialogue activities.

Session 3: February 5th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Mobilising faith-based climate action

This session will gather a group of climate sector professionals and activists from a variety of faith traditions in a World Café style networking event.

Session 4: February 12th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Spirituality in a time of eco-crisis and anxiety

In this session we will explore ways in which religious imaginations and spirituality can help people cope with eco-anxiety through a practical, practitioner-led workshop.

Closing Session: February 17th, 11:00am to 2:00pm

Workshop: Tools for Leadership in Crisis 

This half day workshop will explore and practice skills for effective communication in times of climate crisis, disagreement and apathy. 

The programme is open to all current LSE students, of any faith or belief or none, and both those that have experience of interfaith activities and those that are keen to get more involved.

To join us, please fill in this application. The application deadline is Monday 15th January 2024.

 

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