The network is an initiative of the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (EMW) with support of the World Council of Churches (WCC) programme on ecumenical formation.
The “Green Colleges” network brings together organizations committed to developing eco-theology initiatives on campuses worldwide. This three-year initiative, commencing in 2023 and extending through 2025, aims to support educational institutions in integrating eco-theological principles with campus-wide environmental actions.
Dr Silja Joneleit-Oesch, theological advisor at EMW, who co-moderated the online conversation—where projects from Kenya, Nicaragua, India, Mexico, Argentina, Rwanda, and Malawi were presented—said that the pilot project phase reaffirms the ecumenical commitment to “an ecumenical decade of repentance and action for a just and flourishing planet,” as declared at the WCC 11th Assembly in 2022.
“As schools respond locally to global climate challenges, these projects will encourage the reformation of theological education with eco-theological values, impacting curricula and shaping future faith-based environmental advocacy,” she said.
Rev. Dr Benjamin Simon, dean of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and director of the WCC Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation, valued the diversity and engagement of the network members.
“This space gives us the chance to realize that in most of the presentations we heard, Indigenous wisdom about nature plays a crucial role in the development of our eco-theologies,” he said.
Green Colleges taking part in the project are engaging campus communities worldwide in addressing ecological concerns and adapting practices that reflect a commitment to sustainability and eco-theology through student and community involvement, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Learn more about the WCC's work on Ecumenical Theological Education