What if rather than looking at the environments as a subject for study, we took the environment as a lens or a filter through which we viewed the other issues we face?
That question lies at the heart of the January Term Doctor of Ministry class that began on Monday, January 9 and will run through Friday, January 20 at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. Dr. Mark Douglas of Columbia Theological Seminary is teaching the course.
Monday, January 9 saw conversations about the United Nations and the Presbyterian Minstry at the United Nations.
On Tuesday, January 10, class members toured the United Nations. They sat in the hall where the General Assembly meets – on the anniversary of the first meeting of the General Assembly which occurred on January 10, 1946. The United Nations Environment Programme made a presentation as did Cassandra Carmichael of the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program.
January 11 will bring conversations on climate change issues with Bill Somplatsky-Jarman of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Mission Responsibility through Investment office.
Follow the class on Facebook and on Twitter – @PresbyUN with the hashtag #PMUNJT12.
On the afternoon of Thursday, January 19, the class will consider ways that congregations are responding to environmental issues. If you are in the New York City area, contact us if you would like to participate in this conversation. If you are in another part of the country – let us know what your congregation is doing.
Resources from the NCC Eco-Justice Program.
Resources from the United Nations Environment Programme.