faith AND science: Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship

faith AND science:  Environmental Stewardship

Goals of the Event:

1)  Define the problem of climate change and discuss the interplay between faith and science.

2)  Explore the Vatican document Laudate Se, its origins, and its meaning for us.

3)  Discuss the Church's role in as an institution with climate change and environmental sustainability.

Most of us can agree that as stewards of the Earth, we have a responsibility in protecting it.  The discussions surrounding potential solutions often became energized and leave people feeling frustrated.

The ITE Project is hosting its first faith AND science workshop to ask the really hard questions and talk about the uncomfortable aspects regarding our role in creation.   

To do this well, we have found experts to guide us through these discussions whose profiles can be discovered below.  

There will also be a panel discussion after the presentations where professionals will help debrief the audience on what it has heard, coordinate questions from the audience, and facilitate balanced discussions between the speakers.  Also joining the panel will be the Summit County Metro Parks to help give a local perspective on what we can do and change in our every day to affect our future.

*RSVP required for planning purposes*

This is not a young-adult-only event.  This event is open to all who are concerned for our environment and wish to participate in healthy discussions about it.

Background of the Presenters

Dr. Greg Hitzhusen: Dr. Greg Hitzhusen is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Religion, Ecology, and Sustainability at The Ohio State University (OSU) School of Environment and Natural Resources; he sits on the Steering Team of the Center for Ethics and Human Values at OSU, and was founding director and board chair of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light. He has previously worked for the National Religious Partnership for the Environment and as a Land Stewardship Specialist for the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs, and his teaching and research focus on the intersection of faith and environment, building sustainable communities, and partnerships between scientific and faith communities.

Father Dominic Gideon: Father Dominic Gideon is a recently ordained priest in the Diocese of Cleveland currently assigned to St. Albert the Great in North Royalton.  He grew up in Cleveland Hts, entered Borromeo Seminary out of high school, and is finishing up his theological studies at St. Mary Seminary. From his youth, Fr. Dominic has been interested in how the Catholic faith informs one's relationship with creation and the global community. He was active in environmental and humanitarian efforts in high school, participating in Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice and organizing events such as an ecological speaker series and an ethical pop-up market. In college, he was a leader in the John Carroll Fair Trade club, advocating for a greater respect for workers and the earth in the economy. While studying at St. Mary Seminary, he put a good deal of thought and study into the theology of environmentalism and its practical application in the moral life.

Molly Burhans: Molly Burhans is the founder of GoodLands which provides the 'information, insights, and implementation tools for the Catholic Church to leverage its landholdings...and to reveal high-impact opportunities for land-use strategies that have a regenerative impact.' She is a graduate of Canisius College, and completed her Master's Degree in Ecological Design at the Conway School.

Panel Speakers & Faciliatators:

• Erin Buchan
• Molly Burhans
• Brenna Davis (Ignatius Solidarity Network and Catholic Climate Covenant)
• Father Dominic Gideon
• Joya Hart
• Dr. Greg Hitzhusen
• Mike Johnson (Summit County Metroparks)
• Jeff Campbell (Diocese of Cleveland Social Action Office)