Educational Resources for Congregations

Environmental action in congregations often begins with education. When members have a solid understanding of the basis in their own faith for caring for creation, and of the nature and dimensions of environmental problems, they can act with passion and potency. Educational activities can also be combined with action and advocacy, or be used to reflect more deeply on the meaning of action that the congregation, or a group within it, is already taking.

Educational Materials from the Partnership Groups

Educational materials for children, youth, and adults have been produced by all of the Partners.

• Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life:

• COEJL's congregational resource book, To Till and To Tend, includes several essays about Judaism and the environment that can be used in educational settings, as well as lesson plans for educational and consciousness-raising activities for all ages.
• The Learn section of COEJL's website contains information on Judaism and the environment as well as on special topics such as biodiversity, health, and Israel 's environment. Bibliographies, resource lists, and a guide to speakers on Judaism and ecology are also available on the site.
• A wealth of educational programs on topics from endangered species to hazardous chemicals in the home is available in the Program Bank, also on COEJL's website.
• Revisiting Jewish Environmental Education (PDF) provides lesson plans and suggestions for teaching grades K-12. It is a publication of the coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education and the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life.

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Environmental Justice Program:

• In the USCCB's set of parish resources -- Renewing the Face of the Earth; Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All Creation; and Let the Earth Bless the Lord -- there are many short essays on a wide range of topics: biblical teachings on creation; environmental justice at home and abroad; children's health; liturgy and spirituality; and dealing with scientific uncertainties about environmental problems. Some of these essays are also available on the Environmental Justice Program's website.
• The USCCB has produced two educational videos for use by parishes and organizations:
• Hope for a Renewed Earth (60 min.) reviews major environmental concerns from the Church's perspective, highlighting the link between social justice and the environment.
• The Earth is the Lord's (13 min.), designed to stimulate interest and provoke action in environmental justice issues, includes a discussion guide.

• The National Council of Churches of Christ Eco-Justice Programs:

• God's Earth, Our Home, the NCCC's congregational resource, includes a 12-session adult study guide study (which can be adapted for fewer sessions) including sessions on the Bible and the Earth; hunger; climate change; the diversity of life; eco-justice; environmental racism; jobs, trade and industrial policy; public policy action; corporate responsibility; community economic development, and becoming a model congregation.
• The NCCC Eco-Justice Program website features a listing of congregational resources for learning and teaching with children, youth, and adults.