A conference that will explore the emerging alliance of religion and ecology
will be held at Yale University from February 28 to March 2.

The conference, “Renewing Hope: Pathways of Religious Environmentalism,” comes at a time of increasing awareness of climate change and for the need to address environmental challenges from within the religious traditions. Over the course of four days, scholars, theologians and other religious leaders will examine their traditions’ environmental ethics and practice. In addition, pressing issues related to water, climate change, energy and eco-design will be discussed with expert facilitators.

The conference is organized by Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, co-directors of the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale, and sponsored by the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and Yale Divinity School.

Sallie McFague of the Vancouver School of Theology, a leading thinker for many years on the subject of religion and the environment, will deliver the conference’s opening lecture:

“A New Climate for Theology: God, the World, and Global Warming”
Thursday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at
Sterling Divinity Quadrangle, 409 Prospect Street.

Another highlight of the conference is the premiere of Renewal, a film focusing on religious environmental work in several Jewish, Christian and Islamic communities. The screening will take place on Friday, Feb. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Sterling Divinity Quadrangle.

“This conference promises to underscore how much common ground exists between the faith and environmental communities,” said Yale Divinity School Dean Harold Attridge. “These synergies have tremendous potential, and a conference like this is a small, but important, step toward realizing proper stewardship of God’s creation.”

The conference will culminate in a gala dinner featuring local and organic food. Gus Speth, dean of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, will address conference participants and suggest that religious communities are key partners with scientific leaders in creating a sustainable future. “The religions have a key role to play in helping to moderate values and inspire action for environmental protection, restoration and renewal,” he said.

Plans are to provide live streaming of at least two of the conference sessions -- McFague’s Thursday evening address and a panel presentation on Friday afternoon -- on the Yale Divinity School web site at www.yale.edu/divinity/video/index.shtml. For conference details, visit www.yale.edu/divinity/news/071128_news_renewing.shtml. For more information on religion and ecology, visit www.yale.edu/religionandecology.

The lecture and screening of Renewal are free and open to the public. For more information about the conference and registration, contact Gustav Spohn, director of communications and publications at Yale Divinity School, 203-432-3466, gus.spohn@yale.edu.