Green religion movement hopes spill wins converts
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Where would Jesus drill?Religious leaders who consider environmental protection a godly mission are making the Gulf of Mexico oil spill a rallying cry, hoping it inspires people of faith to support cleaner energy while changing their personal lives to consume less and contemplate more.
"This is one of those rare moments when you can really focus people's attention on what's happening to God's creation," said Walt Grazer, head of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.
Activists in the movement often described as "green religion" or "eco-theology" are using blogs and news conferences to get the word out. Some are visiting the Gulf, inspecting oil-spattered wetlands and praying with idled fishermen and other victims.
And believers in the stricken coastal regions are looking at the consequences of the oil's reach and asking what good can come out of it. (Read more)
"Organizations including the National Council of Churches and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued statements calling for soul-searching. Some are providing ecologically themed online resources — prayers, liturgy, scripture readings — for use in worship services."
Environmental Religious Organization Efforts
National Religious Partnership for the Environment: http://www.nrpe.org/
Evangelical Environmental Network: http://creationcare.org/
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: http://rac.org/
Sojourners: http://www.sojo.net/
