Check out the Presbyterian Church’s Eco-Stewards program as they delve into the complex environmental issues surrounding mountains, coal, land use, and sustainability in beautiful southern West Virginia.
College students in this program consider how these issues invite us to deepen our relationship with God and with each other — to live more simply, to consume less, and to join in a dynamic Christian movement to care for the earth.
Even if you don’t go through the program, these principals can surely guide your life for a more eco-centered faith:
1. Eco-consciousness
Seeking ecological awareness and a continuously renewed consciousness. Pursuing a knowledge the environmental issues that are affecting the different areas of the world today. Evaluating one’s own contributing to those issues and finding ways to live more sustainably.
2. Being in solidarity with the poor
Focusing on environmental injustices; low-income communities in America and third world countries all over the world suffer from discrimination as hazardous factories, waste dumps, and toxic industries locate themselves in poor areas that cannot fight to keep the destruction out.
3. Living as ecological and socially responsible consumers
Being willing to examine one’s shopping, food, and waste habits with an eye on sustainability. Working towards buying habits that reflect environmental and social justice values. Recognizing that food issues are at the heart of the environmental crisis and striving to eat locally and organically when possible.
4. Personal spiritual journeys that are nurtured and supported by the Way of Community
Honoring every individual’s personal journey to a faithful response to the environmental crisis. Continuously looking inward to keep moving faithfully forward. Yet, also looking outward to a community of Eco-Stewards who support, guide, and strengthen each other along the way, growing in Christ’s love.
5. Having roots in Presbyterian Reformed tradition
Sharing the many components of worship in new settings. Renewing traditions in new ways. Paying homage to a history of progressive and faithful service within the church.
6. Providing education and training that compels action
Following a curriculum with a core of eco-theology, church structure, systemic change, modes of behavior, watershed, spirituality, lifestyle simplification, self-reflection, community building, and ecological awareness. Teaching skills that can be extended into individual home communities, spreading nationwide awareness.