Our mission is to connect, inform, inspire and empower people, congregations and religious institutions to work for justice and the care and renewal of the earth. Our aim is to foster an awareness that care for creation is integral to a life of faith. As a program of EMO, the Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns (INEC) carries out EMO's mission of earth stewardship, theological education and dialogue, public policy advocacy and greening congregations.
• Assisting congregations with environmental ministries
• Providing leadership development for environmental ministry
• Connecting environmental and religious communities
• Organizing ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and collaboration on earth concerns
• Hosting forums for dialogue among groups with diverse environmental perspectives
• Sponsors a workshop on food, ethics and the earth
• Food Sustainability and Public Health
• Environmental Justice
• Energy and Global Warming
• Watersheds and Biodiversity
The C2W2 program was created to help congregations in the Portland metro area and beyond utilize land for water and wildlife habitat enhancement, while also benefiting spiritual and educational life. A new website launched for the project helps congregations and religious schools to pursue projects to protect the environment. The website, www.watershedsandwildlife.org, hosts a project handbook, interactive forum and case studies for faith communities.
Recent funding is allowing us to pursue relationships with local congregations, particularly low income or minority groups that often do not have access to quality outdoor space, in order to build restoration projects. We are currently seeking out congregations to support through the planning, organizing and action phases. If you would like more information, email inecintern@emoregon.org or call (503) 221-1054, ext. 210.
This project is made possible through generous support from the Southwest Watershed Resource Center and the East and West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.
Our third annual Earth Care Summit was held on January 30 at Highland Christian Center. Over 200 people were in attendance, representing more than 50 congregations and 27 organizations. The theme this year was "Environmental Justice," and The Rev. Dr. LeRoy Haynes, Jr. gave the keynote address.
Read "Congregations Energized for Environmental Justice" by The Rev. Vern Groves, United Methodist Church, Ret., to learn more about the event.
Protect Creation – Both Body and Earth – From Harmful Chemicals
The Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns has joined the National Council of Churches and other faith organizations in a campaign to change chemical policies to make the products we use, the food we eat, and the air we breathe safer for all of God’s people and the Whole of Creation. There is much to be done. The Toxic Substances Control Act (1976) was developed to regulate the safety of industrial chemicals, but only 200 chemicals have been tested by the EPA and 20,000 were introduced into the market in the past 30 years.
People are encouraged to sign on to one or more of the letters below to raise awareness about harmful chemicals and to build support for state and national policies that promote incentives for the development of a green economy, which will allow all of God’s creation to flourish and bring jobs and justice to communities that are currently suffering from polluting industries located in their vicinity and promote the development of a green chemistry industry.
We are blessed to be created in the image of God and to receive nourishment from the bounty of God’s Creation (Genesis 1:26-27). As part of Creation, our bodies are also temples of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19), and caring for our bodies is one way to honor the Creator. – From Christian Principles for a Health Body and Spirit
Learn how you can volunteer at Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns.
Earth Care Coordinator - The INEC Earth Care Coordinator program supports individuals and groups in greening their congregation. Liaisons are provided with educational materials for their congregation, as well as opportunities to train together with other liaisons, share ideas and support one another, and participate in meetings with policy makers and community leaders. Download an application.
Eco Ministry News – View archives.
Eco-Notes is INEC's electronic newsletter that provides news of faith-based environmental efforts INEC updates, a calendar of events and resources for reflection and action. To subscribe, send an e-mail to awarren@emoregon.org with "Subscribe INEC News" in the subject line and include your first and last name in the message.
2012 Earth Care Summit