Images from Eco-Justice 2024
Ten students gathered in Winnipeg from Oct 16 to 22 to explore themes of environmental justice and our relation to Creation. The Eco-Justice learning circle is one of CCS’s social justice courses. Ministry students from various parts of Canada (from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes) wrestled with the interconnected issues of climate change, fossil fuels, food, water, and climate anxiety.
Sessions unpacking the theologies of creation and/or dominion and on dealing with climate despair helped students to ground their discussions in the practice of ministry. A trip to Fort Whyte Alive gave students the opportunity to meet Barbara Barnett (retired Anglican priest, Companion of the Centre for Christian Studies, and long-time Fort Whyte volunteer) and to experience the sacredness of wetlands. A tour through the Spence neighbourhood of Winnipeg with community garden coordinator Stephen Kirk led to reflections on ecology in an urban context. As part of a trip to The Leaf, staff gardener Eugenia Druyet Zoubareva outlined the connections between plants and colonialism. Students planned and led sessions on food security and on energy. And, of course, we ended with brainstorming about practical actions that we can take as individuals and faith communities to stand in solidarity with creation.
Our chaplain was Lynda Trono who, besides offering a pastoral presence and a listening ear to students in the circle, also brought her passion for environmental activism.
It was a big topic, and we only scratched the surface. Or maybe a better way to say it is that we planted some seeds and nurtured some plants to expand their roots and stretch their leaves. Student Jamie Miller said, “There needs to be an Eco-Justice Two learning circle… And Three.”
Comments: 1
It’s heartwarming to see the engagement and enthusiasm of the students for this very important topic. Thank you for sharing!