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Mission
This network of the Interfaith
Conference of Greater Milwaukee began in 2006 for the purpose of
connecting people of faith and faith groups to a deeper understanding of
their relationship and responsibilities to the natural environment. Our
emphasis is particularly focused on engagements with urban ecological
issues in the greater Milwaukee area and southeastern Wisconsin.
Perspective
Today, educational institutions of renown along
with other national and world organizations are pursuing efforts that
promote the dialogue between environmental science and religion.
However, initiatives at local levels among religious judicatories are
comparatively underdeveloped or non-existent. We are seeking to develop
and strengthen a network of cooperation among the faith community for
the edification of individuals and faith bodies so that we may more
effectively care for creation.
Purpose
The ultimate purpose of this network is to
improve the long term quality of life in metro Milwaukee and hence,
globally, by promoting among diverse people, environmentally sustainable
behaviors grounded in science and religion. We invite all faith based
groups to join us as partners and crafters of this endeavor.
Goals
At this time our goals are fourfold:
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Education:
To provide opportunities to
deepen the understanding of ecology and religion, raise awareness of
local issues and priorities, and foster ecologically sustainable
behaviors in faith-based facilities, home, work and community
environments through classes, seminars and conferences.
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Referrals and Resourcing:
To provide
contacts for information, curriculum materials, speakers and
affiliations for local faith groups to develop presentations and
foster inter-religious efforts addressing religion and ecology
concerns
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Volunteer: Youth groups, adult classes,
families and staff from faith bodies around Milwaukee ( with
emphasis given to urban faith groups and neighborhood outreach) will
be encouraged to volunteer for stewardship activities in and around
selected city and county parks in “hands on” experiences and faith
reflection
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Advocacy: To engage in the development
of networking and disseminating information among the faith
communities to create partnerships and cooperative relationships
with other civic and community organizations in working toward a
greener Milwaukee.
Faith Communities'
Websites and others with focus on Global Warming/Climate Change
http://www.sierraclub.org/partnerships/faith/report2008/
2008 Sierra Club Faith Report
http://www.sierraclub.org/partnerships/faith/report2008/WI.asp
Islamic Environmental Group of
Wisconsin
http://www.wicec.org
Wisconsin Interfaith Climate
& Energy Campaign
www.nrye.org
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
www.nccecojustice.org National Council of Churches of
Christ USA
www.coejl.org
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life
www.creationcare.org
Evangelical Environmental Network
www.usccb.org/sdwp/ejp
U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops
www.uuministryforearth.org
Unitarian Universalist Association
www.quakerearthcare.org
Religious
Society of Friends
www.irejn.org
Connecticut Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network
www.ncrlc.org
National
Catholic Rural Life Conference
www.religionandecology.org
links to many world faith traditions
www.nyo.unep.org
United
Nations' Interfaith Partnership for the Environment
www.InterfaithPowerandLight.org
www.targetearth.org
www.earthministry.org
www.faithinplace.org
www.greenfaith.org
www.genesisfarm.org
www.eco-justiceministries.org
http://stewardshilg.nacdnet.org
National Association of Conservation Districts' church guides
www.ipcc.ch
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
www.ncdc.noaa.gov
National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
climate_change_news@Yahoogroups.com
excellent
digest and links to articles from many journals and news media
www.pewclimate.org
Pew Center
on global climate change
www.theclimategroup.org/index.php/viewpoint/stephen_pacala
the
Stabilization Wedge graph/idea for reducing C02 increase
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