Short Abstract

The panel invites to discuss how "ecological conversion" of Christian communities across various denominations happens, how they adopt or resist to green ideas, employ green technologies and techniques, and which sustainable practices they follow at the community level of a religious group.

Long Abstract

Religion and ecology have formed a robust interdisciplinary field of study growing in both diversity and significance. The panel invites to discuss the connection between environmentalism and Christianity. It welcomes research about Christian understanding of nature protection and sustainability. It aims to understand how Christian communities across various denominations go through the process of "ecological conversion", changing their habitual ways of thinking about nature and environment and adopting new eco-friendly practices - or resisting to them. Some examples include Catholic monasteries applying innovative renewable energy systems and running organic farms in Europe, Greek Orthodox communities involved in "green parish" program, evangelicals' "green divide" in the USA.

The panel intends to explore the environmental engagement of Christian communities both at the level of ideas and practices. Which green values are guiding Christian communities, what is the origin of those ideas, how do communities adopt, develop and disseminate environmental values? What is the practical implementation of those values in following sustainable practices? How and why do religious actors across the globe engage with environmentalism, what eco-friendly techniques and green technologies do they use?

The panel will seek answers to the reasons of environmental surge across various Christian denominations; the added value of spirituality in the process of greening of Christianity, its interaction with other religious and secular actors, and its contribution to global environmentalism and sustainability.

Papers based on actual field work in religious communities are especially welcome.