Ep 3. Faith-Based Activism on Climate Change; Recalling Liberation

Faith-based activism and the fight against climate change are at the forefront of Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly season 18 episode 3, which focuses on the ways in which religious communities around the world are taking action to protect the environment. From the United States to South Africa, the episode explores the various approaches and tactics being employed by diverse faith groups to protect the planet and confront climate change.

One segment of the episode features the Green Muslims, a Washington D.C.-based organization that advocates for environmental sustainability from an Islamic perspective. The group's leaders explain that Islam is fundamentally concerned with the idea of stewardship, and that protecting the environment is thus a religious duty for Muslims. The Green Muslims have organized a number of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability within Muslim communities, including planting gardens and advocating for clean energy policies.

The episode also highlights the work of the South African Anglican Church, which is partnering with local communities to combat the devastating effects of climate change. The church has launched a series of projects aimed at promoting sustainability and resilience in rural areas that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These efforts include providing training on climate-adaptive agriculture techniques, building rainwater harvesting systems, and working to preserve biodiversity in local ecosystems.

In addition to exploring faith-based activism on climate change, the episode also includes a segment on the importance of memorializing the struggle for liberation in South Africa. The segment features interviews with members of the Robben Island Museum Council, which oversees the site of the former prison where many political activists, including Nelson Mandela, were incarcerated during apartheid. The interviews focus on the challenges of preserving and interpreting the history of Robben Island for future generations, as well as the ongoing struggle for social justice in post-apartheid South Africa.

Overall, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly season 18 episode 3 provides a compelling look at the ways in which religious communities are putting their faith into action to confront some of the most pressing issues of our time. Through interviews with activists, advocates, and scholars, the episode offers insights into the profound impact that religion can have on social and political movements, and highlights the central role that faith-based communities are playing in the fight for a more just and sustainable world.