From Community of Christ, Herald
“Film Uplifts Sacredness of Creation”
by Brad A. Martell, Peace and Justice Ministries
In 2008, I saw the premier of the documentary, Renewal: Stories from America’s Religious-Environmental Movement, and I excitedly waited for the DVD to be released.
The film quickly filled my mind with ideas for use in my ministry. For me, it’s an invaluable resource, and I hope it will be for you and your congregation, too.
Renewal is a 90-minute film of eight inspiring stories. They show how faith communities are addressing today’s environmental challenges. Read Full Article
One story tells how Christians are seeking to prevent mountaintop removal in Appalachia. Another shares how Muslims are building relation ships between urban communities and sustainable farms during Ramadan. A third is about a Jewish learning center that teaches kids about environmentalism and their Jewish tradition.
In addition, beautiful scenic nature meditations separate each story. The film was made to:
• Engage people of faith in organized and individual environmental action.
• Foster interfaith dialogue about environmental stewardship.
• Break down barriers between secular environmentalists and people of faith.
I have used the film for youth retreats and camps, the Peace and Justice Ministries course at Community of Christ Seminary, and Peace Colloquy workshops.
I recommend it for adult and youth church-school classes and congregational and mission center gatherings.
It is full of practical ideas for congregations to cultivate ecumenical and interfaith relationships in their communities and live out the Enduring Principle of sacredness of creation.
