|
| British Isles
Links |
| i. UK
Christian Environment Organisations (Joining Organisations)
Christian Ecology Link:
Christian Ecology Link is a UK organisation
- a membership organisation - a charity - for Christians concerned about
the environment. It was conceived in 1981, and constituted in 1982 and was the first such organisation
to set up.It supports Christians from all backgrounds
and traditions. In July 2007 celebrated its 25th birthday. It has individual members and also encourages churches to join
as Church or Corporate members. Other churches have contact through the
distribution of ChurchLink a twice yearly free A4 leaflet. Tel: 01524
36241
CEL produces a twice yearly magazine,
Green Christian, organises Conferences and other meetings for members,
has some local groups and issues press releases on environmental topics.
Its website includes a page announcing church environmental events throughout
the country. Leading up to and during the year 2000 it ran the CEL Millennium
Certificate Challenge and gave certificates to churches that carried out
ten environmentally positive activities. Its current campaigns include a Food campaign
involving promoting LOAF
principles. It supports Operation Noah (raising awareness and positive action about climate change)
A Rocha
A Rocha is an international conservation organisation working to show
God's love for all creation with projects in Portugal, France, Lebanon,
Kenya, Czech Republic and Canada. It has field centres in some countries.
It organises Environment Sunday in the UK (formerly Conservation Sunday): Sun 4 June 2006. It launched
the A Rocha UK project in London on Feb 3 2001. This includes helping the Council look after a local nature reserve/country park, work in schools and setting up a purpose built floating classroom on the canal. Contact A Rocha UK 13, Avenue Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3BL,
tel: 02085745935 For A Rocha International contact: Barbara Mearns A Rocha,
3 Hooper St, Cambridge, CB1 2NZ Tel: (44) 1387 710286
Society, Religion & Technology
Project of the Church of Scotland
Find out about genetic engineering and cloning and read some good reports
on the ethics of today's technologies on the SRT Website.
Society, Religion and Technology Project,
121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN,
+44 131 240 2250
srtp@srtp.org.uk - Dr M Macdonald, Policy Officer, Church of Scotland, 121 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 4YN Tel: 0131 225 5722, Ext 343 Fax: 0131 240 2207 or
0131 240 2267
mmacdonald@cofscotland.org.ukww www.churchofscotland.org.uk
John Ray Initiative
The vision of The John Ray Initiative (JRI) is to bring together scientific
and Christian understandings of the environment in a way that can be
widely communicated through courses and educational materials, and lead
to effective action: JRI, Room TC103, Cheltenham & Gloucester College
of H.E. Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK Tel
01242 543580 JRI Brochure -pdf - Oct 2009
Quaker Green Action
is a growing network of Friends of various
ages, coming together to explore and promote awareness of the need for
a green lifestyle. Subscription address: Anne Brewer, 6 Phoenice Cottages,
Dorking Road, Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4QG, UK. See also the Quaker Living
Witness Project which is started in 2002
|
ii.
UK Christian Environment Projects or Resources
Certificate in Christian Rural and Environmental Studies
This is a course that would be ideal for
anyone in rural ministry, whether ordained or lay. It would also be of
interest to others who are concerned for the environment. It is run by
Christian
Rural Concern and The
John Ray Initiative and offers an opportunity for integrated study:
- Part time modular course
by distance learning
- A local personal tutor to
guide you through
- Flexibility to tailor coursework
topics to your own particular concerns
- Full website support with
dedicated password protected area
- Opportunities to meet with
other participants
- Core modules which approach
rural and environmental studies from a Christian viewpoint
- Additional modules giving
the opportunity to specialise in either rural or environmental concerns
- Certificate accredited by
Keele University
- Usually taken over two years
- Cost is £440 in total, which
includes two residential weekends, payable in two annual installments
CRES Course Secretary, Joy Gadsby, 5 Cedar
Court, Addington Road, Sanderstead, Surrey, CR2 8RA. Full details 020
8657 0831 secretary@cres.org.uk
Web: www.cres.org.uk
Eco-Congregation
Eco-Congregation is a programme for churches
to help them take spiritual and practical steps to care for God’s creation.
It developed from a partnership between the environmental-awareness
charity Encams,
formerly Going for Green, and the Environmental
Issues Network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
From 1 April 2009, the Eco-congregation England & Wales office will be moving as David Hughes takes over. The new details will be:
David Hughes ecocongregation@arocha.org
Eco-congregation
Groundwork Sheffield
The Innovation Centre
217 Portobello
SHEFFIELD S1 4D Phone number: 0114 263 6423
Some history: Revd David Pickering was the first EcoCongregation Coordinator, and the project was set up in about 2001 with the help of EnCams. On April 1st 2004 the management of EcoCongregation was taken
on by The Arthur Rank Centre. David Pickering passed on the
work to Jo Rathbone who worked for two half days per week. In 2007 the mangement of EcoCongregation was taken on by A Rocha. Jo Rathbone worked two days a week using the Arthur Rank Centre as an office, but with visits to A Rocha in London.
It has three core elements:
· A set of inspiring resources comprised of modules covering a variety
of topics; You can download these
· A process to encourage churches to get involved and to support the
environmental work that they are doing;
· An Eco-Congregation Award, to act as a target for churches and to
affirm positive environmental achievements.
EcoCongregation Ireland
Eco-Congregation
Scotland website For Scotland contact:
Margaret Warnock
Eco-Congregation Scotland,
Keep Scotland Beautiful,
Islay House,
Livilands Lane,
Stirling,
FK8 2BG
New Telephone Number: 01877 330182 New Email: margaret@ecocongregation.org.uk or Adrian Shaw Climate Change Programme of Church of Scotland ashaw@cofscotland.org.uk
Climate Change Programme of Church of Scotland Adrian Shaw -
ashaw@cofscotland.org.uk
Climate Change Project Officer,
Church of Scotland,
121 George Street,
Edinburgh EH2 4YN, 0131 225 5722
The Catholic Church's Livesimply Challenge is supported by over 50 organisations, agencies, dioceses and others, and which reflects on God’s call for us all to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with those who are poor.
Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (Formerly Ecotheology)
Established in 1992 under the original title of Theology in Green, this
journal of theological reflection on ecological issues was relaunched
in 1996 as Ecotheology. It is published twice a year and is now published
by Equinox
journals
Countryside Matters - a good website
Find out how much the average British Upland farmer earned on average
last ye ar plus other facts about British countryside and rural concerns.
Site maintained by Revd Terry Brighton, (Priest -in-charge of 5 rural
parishes in South Devon).
Church Energy Conservation Scheme Scotland
Are you a church in Scotland? Could you make use of advice from this
scheme?
I breathe Less Stuff - More Life
Livesimply God calls us to look hard at our lifestyles and to choose to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. In this way we can help create a world in which human dignity is respected and everyone can reach their full potential. This would be true progress, worth more than economic growth alone.
Qoted from their website in Oct 2007: "Do you want to make the world a better place for everyone? Then start here by making a live simply:promise. Make a simple change in your life and get others to do the same! Over 1700 people have made live simply:promises - from practical pledges to use less energy or recycle more, to spiritual commitments to pray more or spread the live simply message. Read other people's promises, and make your own" |
iii.
Christian Justice and Peace Organisations and
/ or Aid Organisations plus the environment
National Justice and Peace network - Catholic, UK
Columban JPIC The new Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of
Creation Webpage
CAFOD (the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development)
Christian Aid Reports:
ECCR - The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility - works for corporate and investor responsibility in companies and the Church. - ECCR acts as a forum where issues of corporate and investor responsibility are researched and studied, information and ideas are exchanged, and strategies are planned and implemented. -
ECCR's company and thematic reports, briefing papers, quarterly Bulletin, monthly e-newsletter and web-based news will help you keep up to date on how leading transnational companies measure up to environmental, social and governance standards.
|
|
iv. UK Organisations
involving The Environment, Christianity, and in some cases other Religions
The Christian Council for Monetary Justice. The CCMJ exists to testify to
traditional insights against usury and for a just financial system.
www.ccmj.org
Chairman: Revd. Canon Peter Challen;
Secretary: Colin Whitmill 36 Whitfield Rd.Bognor Regis PO22 8DY
The Big Green Jewish Website
REEP (Religious Education and Environment Programme)
REEP provides educational programmes, a Schools Programme (RE), speakers,
trainers and materials in the fields of spirituality, ecology and religion.
there are Membership Networks for those who share its aims or join in the
work.
Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals
Catholic Concern for Animals UK
Greenspirit The Association for Creation Spirituality in the United Kingdom
Greenspirit currently has a climate change campaign. http://www.greenspirit.org.uk/climatechange/
EcoIslam Newsletter 2 Sept 2006
.. ISLAMIC FOUNDATION FOR ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
|
|
v. Local/Regional
Christian Environment Organisations
(See also CEL Local Groups' page
)
Sage - Oxford's Christian
Environmental Group
Sage is a network of Christians in the churches of the Oxford region
who are exploring the relationships between faith and environmental
issues. It was started in 1990. Members give presentations and lead
discussions for church groups, organise nature walks and holidays, are
involved in practical conservation projects, and have produced a set
of Bible studies. Email
Sagewords is seful resource material on their website
Bath and Wells Environmental website-
Bath & Wells Diocesan Environment Group (DEG) Newsletters (bimonthly)
Bradford EarthCare Cornish Christians' Concern for Climate Change and Creation
Cumbria Churches Together Climate Action Website
Devon Christian Ecology Diocese of Exeter Kent: Church in Society - Environment pages - part of Diocese of Canterbury and Rochester.
London Churches Environmental Network - based in Southwark Diocese. Bimonthly newsletter. (This replaces - LondonSCARE - London and Southwark Churches Action re the Environment.
which had meetings in the 1990s and early 2000s)
North East Churches EarthCare Group -
News from County Durham and Northumberland
Faiths4change Faiths4Change is an exciting multi-faith community transformation project in England's North West and builds on the successful pilot project Operation EDEN . Burnley, Liverpool,l Manchester, Preston.
See also CEL Local Groups' page |
vi. Other
useful environmental links
WWF Report:
The Living Planet Index: (launched on
5th October)..Humans have destroyed more than 30% of the Natural World
since 1970. (Think of that.. for many of us, a third of the natural world's
resources gone in our lifetime.) A useful source of recent measurements
to quote.
Action Towards Local Sustainability
SUSTAIN, the alliance for better food and farming
Help Sustain's Organic Food & Farming Targets Bill campaign, by writing
a letter to your MP, and signing-up to the campaign
Flying off to a warmer climate
A fun program which enables you to calculate the amount of air pollution
produced when flying on different journeys. ..perhaps your upcoming holiday
or business trip. The Climate
Train Ecobalance Page compares a journey by train and boat with an
air journey and finds that 3.8 times as much CO2 per passenger
is produced on the air journey, but that the effect of all the other gases
produced by the plane (Ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and water
vapour) at high altitude is over 7 times the CO2 equivalent
of the ground journey.
The New Economics Foundation
works to construct a new economy centred on people and the environment.
The new economy envisioned includes a new perspective on wealth which
emphasises quality of life for the human race and the environment. Founded
in 1986, it is now one of the UK's most creative and effective independent
think tanks, combining research, advocacy, training and practical action.
Environment Events Diary
An excellent diary/listing of forthcoming environment/conservation events
in the UK and elsewhere. Find out about forthcoming events. Make sure
your event is listed. It is run by the Conservation Foundation
WDM World Development Movement
The World Development Movement (WDM) tackles the root causes of world
poverty. campaigning for fairer world trade, regulating multinationals
...
Some Useful Genetic Engineering Links recommended by CEL members
Stop Climate Chaos. Climate change coalition the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition is 80 organisations and their 4 million supporters, working together for positive action
|
|
USA and Canada links
Columbi River Pastoral Letter Project: Some "green" Catholic bishops
in the Pacific Northwest of Canada have produced a letter. A great
website which may may give you some ideas and inspiration.
Simple Living - Alternatives
Au Sable
Harvard Religion and
Ecology Website. Some good descriptions of other organisations
(including CEL) and web links
Christian Environmental
Association
Earthkeeping News the
Newsletter of the North American Coalition for Christianity and Ecology
Target
Earth
Earth Ministry based
in Seattle, Washington, USA
The
Eyeopener is a publication of Justice, Economy and the Integrity
of the Earth, a committee of Winnipeg Presbytery, The United Church
of Canada. The Eyeopener is written and published by a small group of
people who have concluded that the world is being pushed by corporations
and politicians into a deformed, anti-life system and that until we
see that, we are unable to imagine a different way. So we try to open
eyes to realities and new possibilities. We publish The Eyeopener 4
times a year. Each issue is 4 pages long. Saucy, irreverent and subversive,
our little paper on economics and ecology and social policy challenges
people to see things in ways other than the power elites see them.
Development and Peace A Canadian Catholic organisation have
produced useful material on
Bio-patenting
|
|
Sites recommended
by CEL Members
(These represent the views of the individual members concerned and not
necessarily those of CEL.)
www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/
Try the UK Sustainable Development Web site -for those who feel nothing
is happening at government level it may be a surprise (and I hope a
moderately encouraging one )
Recommended by M.M.
Reuze.co.uk
Useful website about recycling in UK · alu cans · batteries
· books · cardboard · CDs · clothes · coins · computers · curtains ·
fluorescent tubes · fridges · furniture · glass · hearing aids · inkjet
cartridges · junk mail · light . bulbs · medical equipment · medicines
· metals · mobile phones · motor oil · office furniture · organic waste
· paint · paint stripper · paper · plastic · printed circuit boards
· printer . cartridges · sewing machines · spectacles · stamps ·steel
cans · televisions · tools · tyres · vegetable oil · vinyl records ·
yellow pages ·white spirit · wood · Recommended by AC
www.minesandcommunities.org/
The Mines and Communities Website ("MAC") seeks to empower mining-affected
communities in their struggles against damaging proposals and projects
Recommended by R.S.
Fairgroundcoffee.co.uk This distributor, based at
Kendal, will supply Fair Trade coffee, tea, sugar, drinking chocolate
etc in sachets IN SMALL QUANTITIES. This is useful for bed and
breakfast proprietors, to put in the bedrooms of their guests
Recommended by J.A.
The Association of Speakers Clubs
Over 130 Speakers Clubs meet in Great Britain where ordinary people have fun, gain confidence and learn how to improve their public speaking skills. Find out more by visiting this brilliant site. See if there is a club near you.
It could help you to give talks on Green or church issues - or simply make you a more effective chairperson in some club or business with which you are involved
(CEL's web editor has started attending a Speakers club in Skipton Craven Speakers Club J.A.)
|
Other sites
Other useful environmental links
WWF Report:
The Living Planet Index: (launched on 5th October)..Humans have destroyed more than 30% of the Natural World since 1970. (Think of that.. for many of us, a third of the natural world's resources gone in our lifetime.) A useful source of recent measurements to quote.
Action Towards Local Sustainability
SUSTAIN, the alliance for better food and farming
Help Sustain's Organic Food & Farming Targets Bill campaign, by writing a letter to your MP, and signing-up to the campaign
Flying off to a warmer climate
A fun program which enables you to calculate the amount of air pollution produced when flying on different journeys. ..perhaps your upcoming holiday or business trip. The Climate Train Ecobalance Page compares a journey by train and boat with an air journey and finds that 3.8 times as much CO2 per passenger is produced on the air journey, but that the effect of all the other gases produced by the plane (Ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and water vapour) at high altitude is over 7 times the CO2 equivalent of the ground journey.
The New Economics Foundation works to construct a new economy centred on people and the environment. The new economy envisioned includes a new perspective on wealth which emphasises quality of life for the human race and the environment. Founded in 1986, it is now one of the UK's most creative and effective independent think tanks, combining research, advocacy, training and practical action.
Environment Events Diary
An excellent diary/listing of forthcoming environment/conservation events in the UK and elsewhere. Find out about forthcoming events. Make sure your event is listed. It is run by the Conservation Foundation
WDM World Development Movement
The World Development Movement (WDM) tackles the root causes of world poverty. campaigning for fairer world trade, regulating multinationals ...
Some Useful Genetic Engineering Links recommended by CEL members
Stop Climate Chaos. Climate change coalition the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition is 80 organisations and their 4 million supporters, working together for positive action
The Good News website Sends out a monthly email list of Christian Events in UK especially in Yorkshire and Northern England. Now has a website
SPEAK "SPEAK is a Network connecting the emerging generation to campaign
and pray on issues of global justice. Through bringing change to situations
of injustice we aim to share our faith in our creator: God."
The
Ecologist Magazine
Centre for Language and Ecology, which includes the on-line
magazine 'Language & Ecology' and resources for researchers
www.england-in-particular.info/
information about seasonal events
Friends
of the Earth
Quiet Garden Trust 250 Gardens world wide in 10 years!
Modern
Churchpeople's Union
Optimum
Population Trust ECO-FOOTPRINTING: Tables relating
populations to carbon dioxide emissions limits, and at current and modest
economic lifestyles, have been added to Living Planet Report eco-footprinting
data.
World
Animal Net Directory The world's largest database of animal
protection societies, with over 15,000 listings and more than 8,000
links to Web Sites.
Network of Christian Peace Organisations
Shared Earth Trust - Denmark Farm Conservation courses and holidays.
e.g. Restoring Pastures and Meadows; What's that bird? Creating a Conservation
Plan
Politics and Theology Programme at Sarum College A flexible
distance-learning course with weekend conferences, designed to equip
Christians for participation in politics. Study Christian political
thought and action, history and the Bible. Ecumenical and cross-party.
UK Reclaim-Reading This project involves collecting waste wood and finding ways of recycling it. They are building a charitable social
enterprise that will give paid work and life skills training.
christianevent.info
Lifestyle
Movement The Life Style Movement exists to provide inspiration
and practical advice to all people of goodwill who aspire to live in
a way that reflects the ideals of justice for our Earth and for those
who live on it.
See details of the new edition (2001) of Horace Dammers' seminal book.
Lifestyle: A parable of sharing
the
Centre for Non violent communication
A global organization helping people connect compassionately with themselves
and one another through Nonviolent Communications, a process created
by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
Airport Watch
A source of quotable quotes : Aviation is the fastest-rising contributor to climate change. A single person on the national average wage of £25,000 pays an extra £557 in income tax to meet the costs of aviation's tax breaks.
Islamic
Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES)
The Campaign for dark skies CfDS is campaigning against light pollution - wasted light that shines where it is not wanted.
Much of this wasted light shines up into the sky, causing the visual "smog" that hangs over towns and cities at night.
The Social Creditor
Social credit critiques the philosophy of orthodox economics which justifies the evils of corporate capitalism, (one of which is ecological degradation on a global scale. )
. It follows the work of Clifford Hugh Douglas: You can read their latest magazines as pdf files.
Climate Concern UK
UK-based campaign group, specifically focussed on spreading the word to the
general public to recognise the human-induced climate change problem and to
encourage reductions in energy consumption.
Stewardship website
Christian
stewardship on Winchester diocese Website...
Pesticides Campaign
Christian Vegetarian Association
Many green articles on the website of The Door, The Oxford Diocesan Newspaper
Independent Catholic News
www.ethicalpricing.info Research into pricing tactics used by companies
ethicalpricing-newsreader
Carymoor Environmental Trust, Somerset
We are a registered charity and Environmental Body which has taken over the management of a former landfill site three miles from Castle Cary, Somerset. We provide an engaging and fun resource for the demonstration of environmental issues for everyone. H.C.
http://www.ecozine.co.uk/ 
The Old Testament Wilderness in Ecological Perspective Keith Innes, who has written our Green Pointers for Preachers - ecological Notes for sermons has carried out an MPhil and reports on his work here.
WWW.CHRISTIANSINPARLIAMENT.ORG.UK a new website for Christian MP's and those interested in praying for and finding out about Christian activity in Parliament. It is run by the Christians in Parliament group and produced by Bible Society.
Sites Unseen - Earths mightiest Alternative Christian Link Portal
good Christian - environment Links
Breathe Less stuff more living -
Breathe is a Christian network for simpler living. UK
The Greening - One of Andii Bowsher's blogs
Cut your carbon with climatestewards.org.uk from A Rocha - Support charities a/pro jects abroad that encourage tree planting. Give a donation to mitigate effects caused by car and air travel.
GM FREEZE CAMPAIGN
www.gmfreeze.org Campaign calling on the Government for a Freeze on the commercial use of genetically engineered plants and animals. The GM Freeze is a coalition of associations. CEL supports GM Freeze.
 Climate Change Speaker Network: Nationwide network with speakers available to give climate change talks to schools, community groups, societies, faith groups, councils, etc.
www.powerswitch.org.uk
www.buddycom.com/ecol/Ecology.html
www.whatyoucando.co.uk website about personal action to reduce climate change.
Devon Christian Ecology Diocese of Exeter
www.green-engage.co.uk/better.html
MA - Ecology and Religion -
Readings and Links to relevant sites - Columban website (added 1 Nov 2006)
Paperback.coop Good supplier of recycled paper and office supplies - warehouse in East London. (added 1 Nov 2006)
CarPlus Car Sharing Scheme - lots of info
Take the Red Pill -
site written and produced by Christians trying to take a wider view of issues like social justice and the environment. Useful alternative links page
Scargill House Scargill is an inclusive, multi-cultural Christian Community in the Yorkshire Dales. It runs some courses with and environmental focus.
www.christiansimpleliving.org
Christian simplicity from an Anabaptist perspective. -
Church of the Brethren in University Park, Maryland, USA.
www.ecologicalhope.org
Ss Mary and John Churchyard, Oxford
Cornish Christians' Concern for Climate Change and Creation --Added 19 June 2007
Hilfield Project - A Franciscan Initiative for Peace and the Environment
At Hilfield Friary in Dorset, UK, the brothers of the Society of St Francis have established a project which brings together both a commitment to peace and justice between people and also a care for our natural environment.
Optimum Population Trust Added 10 July 2007
STEWARDING THE EARTH'S RESOURCES A resource for the church about waste reduction, waste re-use and waste recycling
Rev John Hale is having a Sabbatical this autumn to research on how the Church can take a lead in recycling more and being less wasteful... and would like to hear your ideas.
Milton Keynes Christian Environment Group
A3 Climate Change Calendars - Order a beautiful calendar for 2008 -make excellent presents.
Landfill Trust- SITA - Apply for grants for Environment Projects Population Growth and Migration -
"the manifold effects of population size and growth on the environment and society". http://www.population-growth-migration.info This site raises issues about overpopulation and migration - topics which some other environmental charities steer clear of.
Cotteridge Quaker Meeting who
refurbished their meeting house making it much more efficient. Fantastic.
St Chad's Headingly Leeds, Wildlife churchyard and Ecocongregation
www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/category/environment/
CreationCare for Pastors website (American) - useful.
Peace Brigades International UK
International Justice Mission UK
Landshare, - about giving more people the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables and have better access to fresh, healthy food
|
|
ACTION:
Follow up some of these links.
|
|
|
|
|
Web Links