Churches lead the way in environmental stewardship

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more ♻️ Faith-based green initiatives Churches lead the way in environmental stewardship Religion Unplugged Feb 5   READ IN APP   Hi Religion Unplugged readers, “God has given us this amazing Earth with so much abundance and life,” says Laura Baird, a co-chair of a Climate Action Group at a Connecticut church. “We’re charged with being good stewards of that, and we should use that power wisely.” Many people of faith in the state are participating in the Green Congregation Challenge, led by the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. The challenge has different levels based around actions to become more conscious and proactive about caring for the environment. In today’s top story, contributor Isabella Meibauer writes on the practical steps these faith-based communities are taking and their motivations to become more eco-friendly. A big thank you to all who donated to our year-end NewsMatch campaign. Thanks to your donations, we were able to raise $38,720! All of that money will go towards paying our contributors and continuing to bring you top-quality journalism throughout the year from around the world. A special thank you also goes to the Institute for Non-Profit News and The Media Project board of directors for all their support. We take donations throughout the year. If you would like to give to Religion Unplugged, you can do so here. Faith-Based Green Initiatives: Churches Lead the Way in Environmental Stewardship Motivated by their faith, many religious institutions across Connecticut are working toward environmental goals by completing green challenges, participating in advocacy, and growing gardens. “God has given us this amazing Earth. … We’re charged with being good stewards of that, and we should use that power wisely,” said Laura Baird of Asylum Hill Congregational Church’s Climate Action Group. by Isabella Meibauer Share Braille Bibles Used To Empower Visually Impaired Churchgoers There are very few braille Bibles in Zimbabwe. Some schools may have a copy, which the teacher reads aloud during religious education classes. Disability advocates say that Braille is more than just a code; it’s a bridge to equality, a tool for empowerment and a growing symbol of resilience for so many of Africa’s Christians. by Calvin Manika Legacy Of Light: Recalling The Artistic Life Of Peter Brandes (ESSAY) Over the next year, Peter Brandes’ health deteriorated but he kept working — designing and making prints for three art books — one of poetry, one of the ancient hymns of Romanus, another of the story of Isaac and Ishmael. And, he made many drawings. Finally, on Jan. 4 he died, with Maja Lisa by his side. His legacy is a body of work — both sacred and secular — unique in the 20th and early 21st centuries. A gift to the world. by Roberta Green Ahmanson Is Same-Sex Marriage A Settled Issue In The US? Not yet, and not quite, even as President Trump’s agenda instead puts the news spotlight on transgender issues. Though the Supreme Court’s historic 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision to legalize gay and lesbian marriage nationwide was by a narrow 5 to 4, the law appears very unlikely to change. And yet dissent continues and U.S. public opinion is shifting a bit. by Richard Ostling Keeping The Faith: Religious Pilgrimages Are Back In A Big Way In an era of secularism, where discussions often center around the decline of religious belief, going on a pilgrimage may seem outdated. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The appeal of religious tourism attracts people of all ages. As many make plans for the coming summer, this type of tourism has become big business in a post-pandemic world. by Angela Youngman ‘Presence’ Offers Up Hauntingly Accurate Picture About Changing Spirituality (REVIEW) The film also gives a fairly actuarial picture of our culture’s modern move toward the supernatural. As people are abandoning organized religion, they’re not becoming secular, but embracing “new age spirituality” — with beliefs in some kind of God and/or spirits and various occult or folk methods of connecting with them. This is particularly true of young women. by Joseph Holmes On Religion: March For Life Opens Up Complex Questions In Changing Times (ANALYSIS) The questions at the 2025 March for Life were familiar ones for D.C. Beltway insiders: Would major politicians show up, and what would they say? by Terry Mattingly Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Transformation Sparks Heated Debate Over Its Flag The Middle Eastern kingdom is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once known for its strict adherence to austere social norms rooted in a conservative interpretation of Islam, Saudi Arabia has, in less than a decade, repositioned itself as a burgeoning hub for entertainment, sports, music and the arts. by Fatma El-Zahraa Badawy How Religious Institutions Can Tackle The Rising Costs Of Health Insurance (OPINION) Churches, temples and other religious organizations often employ experienced, highly skilled people — talented employees who could otherwise find work in the private sector but are called to service by their faith and belief in their community’s mission and values. These employees will often compromise on salary to do meaningful work, but they do expect adequate benefits and health care. For church leaders — often under pressure to keep a close eye on expenses — finding and paying for health care can be the most stressful part of the job. by Jack Hooper Reviving The Art Of Margam Kali: The Journey Of Syrian Christians In Southern India Traditionally performed barefoot in a circle, Margam Kali narrates the life and missionary work of St. Thomas, the apostle believed to have brought Christianity to India. Over the centuries, this ancient dance form has evolved while retaining its devotional essence, while also embodying the spiritual and cultural identity of the Syrian Christian community. by Rishabh Jain 🤣 A Preacher And A Stand-Up Comedian Walk Into A Christian Youth Conference … 🔌 Hoss Ridgeway mixes preaching and stand-up comedy. The Indiana minister says he knows when it’s appropriate to be funny — and when the situation calls for a serious approach. by Bobby Ross Jr. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings! Subscribe to Weekend Plug-In Thanks again for reading! At Religion Unplugged, we cover the role of religion in public life and in peoples' lives. If you appreciate our journalism, become a sustaining monthly donor by clicking the button below. Donate Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Religion Unplugged’s Week in Headlines is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Religion Unplugged’s Week in Headlines that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. Pledge your support   Share     Like Comment Restack   © 2025 Religion Unplugged 548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104 Unsubscribe