To: Parochial Clergy, Lay Licensed Preachers, Non-Parochial Active Clergy

From: Canon for Communications

Re: Preaching Hope event

Date: December 10, 2021

If the world’s average temperature will soon shoot past the 1.5ºC target to ensure climate stability, how do we preach about hope? This informal, hour-long conversation will provide a space for reflecting on Gospel hope, keeping in mind the systemic challenge of keeping fossil fuels in the ground and the connections between racial, economic, and environmental justice. We’ll touch upon a few lectionary readings, and there will be opportunities for questions and discussion. This ecumenical event is open at no charge to all preachers.

• Bullitt-Jonas’ article, “Preaching When Life Depends on It: Climate Crisis and Gospel Hope” (Anglican Theological Review, Spring 2021)

• Antal’s chapter, “Prophetic Preaching: Freeing the Pulpit from Fear,” in his book, Climate Church, Climate World (also check out his 20-minute podcast from Yale Divinity School, “Every Religious Leader Must Preach on Climate Change”)

• Fletcher Harper, “Stop preaching about ‘being good stewards of the Earth,’” (Sojourners, Sept. 16, 2021)

Jim Antal serves as Special Advisor on Climate Justice to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Antal’s 2018 book, Climate Church, Climate World, is being read by hundreds of churches. From 2006-2018, Antal led the 350 UCC churches in Massachusetts as their Conference Minister and President.

Margaret Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care (Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts & Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ) and Creation Care Advisor (Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts). Her 2019 co-edited book, Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis, includes 21 essays by diverse faith leaders, plus study questions and spiritual practices.