Environment Archives - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

June 13, 2023

Community Environment

Bridgette Weber Finds the through Lines—Food and Transformation—at United

At United, a supportive community of beloved students and faculty, is an integral part of the educational journey for future faith and justice leaders. Since coming to seminary and charting a path toward chaplaincy, dual degree student Bridgette Weber (bottom right) has not only been elected to the Student Leadership Collective twice, they have also worked with another student to support and sustain United students with Sunday evening United Family Dinners. United has also helped them uncover their purpose-filled throughlines from food to social transformation to justice through food sovereignty. (more…)

April 19, 2021

Ecology Environment Politics Public Policy students Voice

United Students Speak Out for the Environment

On Friday April 16, United students and professor Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis attended a virtual call with a staff member from Rep. Betty McCullom's office, coordinated by Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light. The meeting included more than 60 faith leaders from St. Paul calling for strong federal action on the environment and climate justice. Student Stephani Pescitelli read a statement that the students wrote. Video below: (more…)

March 16, 2021

Environment social transformation Water

United Forward on Climate Action

Where do climate change and justice issues intersect with the beliefs, practices, and teachings of your faith or spiritual tradition? United students are finding their way and having an impact. Over the past several months, a core group of committed students has collaborated with staff from Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL) to prepare a statement encouraging state representatives to take a bold stance on climate action. In this emerging reality of climate change, healing the separation between each other, the land and water, our histories, and likewise between environmental, social and economic justice represent the most important existential and ethical challenges to the material and spiritual security and wellbeing of all beings. Specifically, campaigns to stop construction of the Tar Sands Line 3 Pipeline are at the forefront of local activism. Advocacy for creative solutions includes support for the Rondo Land Bridge project that impacts environmental restoration while also advancing racial reparations and economic vitality to the historically African American district of The Twin Cities. (more…)

May 13, 2020

Anthropocene Coronavirus Ecology Environment ministry Pandemic social justice social transformation Unitarian Universalism Voice

Restraint in the Anthropocene

One of the unexpected effects of this terrible pandemic is that global pollution levels have dropped significantly. In China, after two months of near shut-down, carbon emissions have decreased by an estimated 25% and people in Northern India can see the Himalayas for the first time in decades. Travel restrictions have forced millions globally to stop flying and driving, heavy industry has slowed production, and we have largely slowed our manic consumerist habits, or at least channeled them into buying dried beans and pasta. In fact, except for those working the front lines of the health care crisis, and except for our consumption of media, we have collectively slowed way down in almost every other way. This is not a “silver lining." There is no silver lining to the thousands of people who have lost their lives to this pandemic, or to the many, many more who will not survive coming months, to the real and painful effects of an economy in recession. This is real, and the grief is real and the fear and shock, and the danger and insecurity. The realness of it all is also the only reason why we have changed our habits. It is the only reason why we are forced to practice restraint during this time, but that in itself is no small thing. (more…)

October 14, 2019

Ecology Environment justice social transformation Theology Voice Water

Water is Life: A Sacred Witness

The voice of a young Indigenous drummer echoed out over Lake Itasca at the headwaters of the Mississippi River as faith leaders, elders from the White Earth Nation, and climate activists from a variety of traditions gathered last weekend in a respectful prayer circle. Other spiritual voices included a Muslim call to prayer, Jewish singing, a Zen Buddhist chant, a Unitarian Universalist prayer/poem (included in this post), and a Christian homily. Organized by Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Honor the Earth and the RISE Coalition, the event focused on protecting waters sacred to indigenous peoples and necessary to sustain life for all in this region. Rev. Karen Hutt and Rev. Dr. Justin Tanis, joined by their families, represented United Theological Seminary. Rev. Hutt led the UU contribution to the program, drawing connections between the experiences of African-American and Native experiences of water, which you can read below. (more…)