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An international consultation on "Green Reformation: Ecology, Religion, Education and the Future of the Ecumenical Movement,” organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC) department on Ecumenical Theological Education in cooperation with the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany, will take place 12-15 May, at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, near Geneva, Switzerland.
The event will gather theological educators, researchers, practitioners and representatives from church and faith traditions of six regions of the world, to discuss ecology as a crucial part of ecumenical theological education.
The consultation will address the consequences of a green re-lecture of sacred texts for engaging the contemporary ecological crisis. This prompts anthropological questions on how humans understand themselves in relation to God, to their fellow humans and all creatures.
The event will also assess the necessary transformation theological education will have to undergo in view of creating awareness for and knowledge of the intrinsic value of all creation. This entails new forms of experiential learning, curriculum development for theological schools and mentoring programmes that foster alternative lifestyles for a sustainable future.
“Religious communities are already offering models, such as ‘green churches’, who seek to reduce their ecological footprint and by educating people to become more mindful of creation. They deserve more encouragement”, said Prof. Amélé Ekué, professor of Ecumenical Ethics at the Bossey and WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Theological Education.
“A green reformation may, therefore, constitute the most pressing task for the ecumenical movement today”, she said. “Theological education can play a pivotal role by shaping a different narrative and planting the seeds for the future: humans not in dominion of the earth, but as keepers of God’s creation”.
