ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

Christians are called to care for “creation," which in the secular world and in most other faith traditions is termed the environment. Environmentalism is a movement that transcends religion, race, and national boundaries because, as the saying goes, “There is no Planet B.” If we are going to survive as a species collectively human beings must find ways to work together to stop the degradation of and to begin to heal the environment everywhere in our neighborhoods, our provinces, our countries and the world.

The United Church of Christ (UCC) has been at the forefront of this work since 1975, when a resolution titled “A Perspective on Christian Life Style & Ecology” passed at General Synod 10. This resolution mandated a study of the impact congregations and church members had on their local environment; the report was presented and accepted at General Synod 11 in 1977. This awareness within the denomination led to a natural partnership of congregations, national UCC staff including the Rev. Benjamin Chavis, and the NAACP when residents of the majority Black-county sought relief from the impending designation of a landfill site in the county as a dumping site for toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The term “Environmental Justice” was first used in reference to this activism in Warren County, North Carolina, which began in the late 1970s and continued up to and past the day the first load of toxic waste arrived in 1982. A “lie-in” over the first six days the dump was in operation resulted in 523 arrests. The protests brought national attention to what became known as “environmental racism.”

Level 1 Certificate, 6 Courses:

The Level 1 Certificate is designed to provide those who complete it with basic knowledge and understanding of “the big picture” we face. Using theology, biblical literature, and church history as the anchors, Level 1 courses will explore the language of environmentalism both within and outside the Christian tradition; the stories of the Christian faith that speak to the importance of creation; and the ways that the Church has been harmful and helpful in caring for creation throughout history. Level 1 will introduce the story of inequalities across race, ethnicity, and nations in the ways that the environment is treated as well as ways communities of faith can and have responded to environmental injustices.

Level 2 Certificate (Applied), 6 Courses:

  • Small-Scale Farmers and Global Industrial Agriculture
  • Water is Life
  • Transforming Transportation
  • Just Energy – Climate Change and Carbon Footprint
  • Food Sovereignty

Level 3 Certificate (Synthesizing): Courses in development

Affordable

PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $124, 6-week courses just $375, 9-week courses Supervised Ministry courses are $500, and our 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $650.

Flexible

Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.

Accessible

Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
P.O. Box 897
Tucker, GA 30085
Phone:770-569-3384

Partner with PATHWAYS

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is a nonprofit provider of theological education that is academically rigorous and affordable.   A PATHWAYS education in Ministry Preparation can be completed on-line in three years at a fraction of the price of a seminary education.   Our program is aligned with the requirements for ordination of most mainline Protestant denominations and seeks to work with ordaining bodies to make sure that participants are meeting their goals.   Now is the time to make an inquiry for the future of theological education.  Reach out today to Partner with PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

Support PATHWAYS Today!

 

PATHWAYS is an innovator in cost-effective, progressive Christian education. We work alongside denominations, regional partners and individuals to make our programs accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay. This commitment to funding begins with each of our supporters. No matter how large or how small the donation, it all goes towards making theological education affordable to everyone who desires to learn.

There is no time like the present to contribute financially to PATHWAYS’ work and mission by making your tax-deductible gift – Today!