The Church and Society Commission of the Church of Ireland held a fascinating seminar on the role of faith communities in tackling climate change on 26 April 2018 in Trinity College Dublin. The event was hosted by Archbishop Michael Jackson and Archdeacon Andrew Orr, chair of Eco–Congregation Ireland. The seminar took place in Trinity College’s Science Gallery in Dublin.
Among the faith communities and organisations represented at the event were the Church of Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church the Islamic Cultural Centre, the Methodist Church including the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Revd Dr Laurence Graham, Bishops’ Appeal, the Irish Council of Churches, Christian Aid and Dublin City Interfaith Forum.
During the morning Professor John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor of Geography at Maynooth University talked participants through the science of climate change, Dr Lorna Gold of Trócaire highlighted the importance of joining the dots on climate justice and Dr Cathriona Russell, Dungannon and Beresford Assistant Professor in Theology at TCD looked at theology and environmental ethics in changing climate.
Introducing the seminar, Archbishop Jackson said that as Christians we are called to balance as well as enthusiasm and called to home and to voice hope with those who have none. You can read a report on this event in full here: We are the Last Generation that can Tackle Climate Change – We Need a Theological and Ethical Approach.
Charlotte Olhausen, Prof John Sweeney, Dr Cathriona Russell, Dr Lorna Gold, Archdeacon Andrew Orr and Caoimhe Leppard (organiser)
Dr Lorna Gold