Becoming Refugias: Climate Change and a Change of Heart

Abstract

Climate change is the most significant moral, ethical and spiritual issue of our time. All other social and justice issues are increasingly linked back to climate change. Leaders of the major world religions have written documents and called for people of faith to become engaged. Yet, faith communities do not become engaged in this social and spiritual concern. Secular society is looking for moral guidance and faith communities have significant wisdom and practices to offer. Linking science with theological reflections, justice imperatives and praxis may assist ministers in grappling with the critical concern of climate change that looms ever larger as we move deeper into the twenty-first century. The shift in worldview and theology that is required could not only renew the earth and care for brothers and sisters but could be an opportunity for renewing religious traditions and deepening a sense of identity, collaboration and community worldwide.