From the press release:
Helping People of Faith Understand Ecology As A Moral Issue
Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield of Faith in Place and Rev. Bob Rasmus of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church
April 12th | 12 Noon | Latzer Hall | University YMCA
There are two great responsibilities common to all faiths: to love one another and to care for the creation that sustains all life. This Friday, Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield of Faith in Place and Rev. Bob Rasmus of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church will discuss the ways in which interfaith cooperation calls them to help provide religious people tools to reflect deeply on these responsibilities, integrate the teachings of faith into practice, and work together for a just and sustainable future.
Background: The speakers respective work with faith-based sustainability circles has led to the launching of a variety of projects, including:
- Creating a direct market for African-American organic farmers in Pembroke, Illinois by organizing the first organic Black Farmer’s Market on Chicago’s westside;
- Starting a well-loved urban agriculture program for Champaign-Urbana community members to learn about food sustainability and to help lower local hunger rates;
- Helping five congregations switch to wind power at their houses of worship;
- Initiating “Voluntary Simplicity” discussion groups in prosperous suburbs;
- Impacting public transportation and housing policy in Evanston.
This noontime talk is a part of the Friday Forum Spring 2013 lecture series,
“Faith in Action,” featuring speakers from across the spectrum of faith traditions that are compelled by their faith to engage in bold and creative forms of action. All lecture are free and open to the public. Lunch is served from the Y eatery during lectures: $6.50/3.00 student.