The Eco-Justice Reformation Working Group is comprised of ELCA theologians, pastors, laity, and teachers committed to stand for ecological justice as a denomination in our actions and in our witness, in our identity and in our mission. (See below for a list of our speakers.)
We are convinced that more than ever we are seeing planetary degradation that is threatening all life on Earth as we know it and causing extensive disruption and dislocation in human communities. The most vulnerable among us are at the greatest risk with the least capacity to cope.
At the same time, we are convinced that the biblical and pastoral vocation to which God calls us in this time is for “the care and redemption of all” that God has made—all as a response to the grace given in creation, in the power and presence of the risen Christ, and in the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
We saw that the 500th anniversary of the Reformation was a time to call for a reorientation of our denomination to address the ecological crises we are facing as a planet. As Bishop Eaton has asserted: “The present moment is a critical one, filled with both challenge and opportunity to act as faithful individuals and churches in solidarity with God’s good creation.” We believe that the ELCA as a whole can and must fully embrace creation care at the heart of God’s mission on every level—as individual members and as organizations of the church.
To this end we are seeking to provide resources to use as a way to incorporate and promote eco-justice ministry into the life of the church. One of these resources is a Speakers Bureau. This Speakers Bureau has been gathered to represent a number of informed leaders in the ELCA capable of serving as conference speakers, panel participants, and workshop leaders for events sponsored by congregations, synods, seminaries, ministeriums, colleges, and other agencies of the church.
We hope that you will find the following Speakers Bureau information helpful in planning events which promote eco-theology and that foster an eco-Justice reforming of the church.
(This information can also be downloaded in either a PDF version here or a Word version here)
