This Fall issue of Earth Letter has a three-article focus on sin and grace as revealed in our human interaction with the rest of creation. Earth Ministry staff member Clare Brauer-Rieke utilizes biblical and theological foundations to explore sin as human separation from creation and suggests opportunities for grace. Rev. Pamela Dolan uses the recent BP oil spill as an example of a human-made, disastrous sin. Finally, the United Methodist Women provide thoughtful points for consideration for avoiding environmental and racial sin in the planning of their national conferences. Their inspirational focus is a beacon for ways we too can move forward as empowered people of faith.
Our feature article is by Earth Ministry’s Jessie Dye, in which she shares her rich experiences from her recent trip to Turkey. Her article helps us see the country’s role in world history and in its present state, particularly focusing on the Islamic Sufi teacher Imam Fethullah Gulen. In “Goings-On” we invite you to stay current with the many ways Earth Ministry’s work is progressing. Our member and congregational profiles along with our calendar page conclude this issue.
In this issue:
- Faith, Hope and Tomatoes: A visit with friends and followers of Fethullah Gulen in Turkey by Jessie Dye
- From Eden to the Cross: Brokenness and Healing in Ecological Theology by Clare Brauer-Rieke
- Oil Spill Demands Communal Response and Repentance by Pamela Dolan
- Christian Mandates for Going Green by United Methodist Women
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