The shared work of peace and justice calls for the Church to work in collaboration with global initiatives to advocate for justice, reconciliation and peace…
We are writing to invite you to a pilot project initiative of leadership and advocacy training sponsored by the Episcopal Church Center’s offices of Economic and Environmental Affairs and Young Adult and Campus Ministries. This event will consist of Episcopal Church focused formation, leadership and
Women and men between the ages of 18 and 30 from across the Episcopal Church are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity. Participants will be expected to arrive for dinner on Saturday, August 27, 2011 and should plan to depart after breakfast on Thursday, September 1, 2011.
Eco-Justice Immersion
The Consortium for Endowed Episcopal Parishes recently worked with Institute for the Future to identify skills our church leaders will need in the near future (and arguably now). One of the ten skills highlighted was "Bio-empathy: the ability to see things from nature's point of view." The study also identified trends such as "Extreme Climate Variability," and the "New Localism" -- referring to the growth of local economies. From bio-empathy will grow the kind of personal, congregational, and public actions and policies necessary to move us toward a more compassionate and just world.
To these ends our time together will include:
- Teaching and conversation around topics such as: spiritual, theological and scriptural resources for ecological ministry; sustainable economics; current economic and environmental justice ministry in The Episcopal Church; "greening" congregations; Episcopal Church polity and structures; food justice; reflection on our common call to serve all creation and what that means for our lives today.
- Time with the leadership of Earth Ministry, one of the country's leading regionally-based nonprofits connecting faith with care for all creation. We will worship at one of Earth Ministry's Episcopal Greening Congregations and learn from that parish's experience. Earth Ministry staff will also lead our advocacy training.
- Half a day devoted to a hands-on service activity or eco-justice tour.
- A one-day hike in the Cascade Mountains, with time for conversation, meditation and prayer, reflection and silence.
- Time for discernment, conversation, and community-building.
- Interaction with local and national leaders in the eco-justice field.
The Episcopal Church, in its continued commitment to eco-justice is sponsoring this event in order to raise up leaders for faith-based action in the world. This is the first year that the Episcopal Church is organizing such an event to provide access, teach skills, offer theological training, and highlight structures for action. It is a remarkable opportunity to:
- discuss and learn about a range of issues connecting Christian faith with care and justice for all creation, such as those cited above,
- learn about Episcopal Church polity and policy,
- learn how the church participates in advocacy,
- develop skills and knowledge to use in dioceses, churches, and communities around the country, and
- develop relationships to encourage your interest in this area of ministry.
Participants are expected to arrive in Seattle, WA on the above dates and actively engage with conference trainings and events. Prior to arrival we will host a series of preliminary conference calls in preparation for our time together; all participants will need to be available. Participants will be expected to raise funds for a portion of the event’s costs, primarily airfare. Housing, programming, meals and local transportation will be covered by the Episcopal Church Center. In addition, participants will be asked to engage in follow-up activities, such as preparing a final report detailing their experiences which will be presented to their communities and diocese.
Please fill out the application completely, limiting your answers to a short paragraph in length. Return applications by June 15, 2011 to jsierra@episcopalchurch.org. You will be notified if you are chosen to participate by July 1, 2011. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
Many blessings,
Jason Sierra
The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministries
The Episcopal Church Center
Seattle, WA
Mike Schut
The Office for Economic and Environmental Affairs
The Episcopal Church Center
Seattle, WA
Episcopal Leadership Institute for Young Adults
Eco-Justice Immersion Experience
August 27-September 1, 2011
Application for Participation
Please return to jsierra@episcopalchurch.org by June 15, 2011
Name: Date of Birth:
Phone Number(s):
E-mail:
Mailing Address:
Occupation/Education Program:
Employer/Education Institution:
Faith Community:
Diocese or other Denomination:
1) Please explain your reasons for wanting to participate in this event.
2) How would the experience further your career, educational, personal or ministerial goals?
3) Describe your involvement with church-related activities.
4) Describe your involvement with justice-related activities.
5) Describe any experiences or exposure to groups working for eco-justice.
6) The event begins with dinner on Saturday, August 27 and ends on the morning of Thursday, September 1. Are you able to attend the entirety of these 6 days? Yes No
7) Participants are asked to raise funds for their airfare or other transportation costs. You are encouraged to involve your home parish and/or diocese in supporting your participation. What fundraising sources will you pursue?
8) How did you hear about this opportunity?
9) Finally, in the spirit of brainstorming, share one or two follow-up activities about which you could see yourself getting excited about once you return home after this experience.
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