'A Life of Grace for the Whole World' explores spiritual roots of environmental crisis

Posted Mar 2, 2016

[Canticle Communications press release] At a time when Christians’ concern for the environment is at its height, a pair of Episcopal priests have released a new curriculum that explores the flawed theology at the heart of the environmental crisis and guides Christians in developing a practical response.

“A Life of Grace for the Whole World” explores a pastoral teaching on the environment by the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church. It can be downloaded for free until July 1, 2016.

The five-session curriculum was developed by the Rev. Stephanie M. Johnson, former Environmental Stewardship Minister for Province One and currently convener of the New England Regional Environmental Ministries Network and the Rev. Jerry Cappel, Environmental Ministries Network Coordinator for Province IV of the Episcopal Church, in consultation with bishops, clergy and lay leaders from around the church. Each session of the curriculum is devoted to a different section of the bishops’ pastoral teaching, which was approved at their meeting in September 2011.

“The environmental crisis is borne out of poor choices and injustice, but these are spiritual matters as well, “says Rev. Cappel, “Poor stewardship, commercialism and materialism are all rooted in a faulty view of God and God’s work in the world.”

The sections of the curriculum are:  A Time for Repentance and Renewal; A Time for Grace for the Whole Creation; A Time for Justice and Sustainability; A Time to Renew Ancient Practices and A Time to Commit and Act.

“In its pastoral teaching, the House of Bishops issued a call for confession, compassion, and attention to the present environmental crisis,” says Rev. Johnson. “They also challenged us, as individuals and as communities of faith to identify ways to speak and act on behalf of God’s good creation. The curriculum speaks to both of those needs.”

Each of the curriculum’s five session includes excerpts from the pastoral teaching, followed by a series of reflections and questions. A facilitators’ manual offers suggestions on how to draw on the Book of Common Prayer and short Bible studies in each session.

Bishop Thomas C. Ely of Vermont who raised the funds for this project from several sources, including other bishops, said he recommends it wholeheartedly. “It is a deep and thorough exploration of our pastoral teaching, yet it is presented in a way that makes it easy to use in parish settings or on a weekend retreats.”

The curriculum can be downloaded free of charge until July 1, 2016.  At the end of this year, a print version of the curriculum, along with individual participant booklets offering additional reflection and activities, will be published and for sale by Church Publishing.


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