We view the Path as integrally connected to the call of the Episcopal Church in the Episcopal Covenant for the Care of Creation. To supplement this strong call to Creation justice, we aim to provide a model that provides specific, measurable, and effective ways for congregations to carry out this covenant. We know that the climate crisis is not merely an information-based challenge – it requires a complete, values-based shift in all aspects of our lives in line with the Gospel.
The Church’s invitation to Loving Formation is encompassed in our material on PRAY and LEARN; the invitation to Life-giving Conservation is included and expanded in our section labeled ACT; and the invitation to Liberating Advocacy is expressed in more focused terms in ADVOCATE.
Our end goal is to inspire and support collaborative and distributed programs that can be adapted and used across parishes and other communities of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
THREE INTERRELATED COMPONENTS
A clear guide for accomplishing and evaluating Creation care progress;
Development, compilation, and distribution of resources to assist parishes;
A Coordinator and network of trained volunteer Companions to partner with each member parish in evaluating, setting goals, holding accountability, and encouraging progress.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF THE PATH
PRAY
“If creation really has changed, then our prayers must also change.” The Rev. Jim Antal
The Path’s foundation rests in liturgy and prayer that recognizes God’s creation, redemption, and sanctification of the whole Creation. This pillar addresses liturgical resources, prayer practices, and ritual observances. Prayer is central to Christian life, and through prayer we can support inward transformation for outward action.
ACT
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” Robin Wall Kimmerer
Our goal is net carbon neutrality by 2030. We provide a practical and manageable series of escalating steps in action for Creation justice across energy usage, food, transportation, and care for the environment. This work will expand the understanding and appreciation of the church’s role in both affecting justice and creating community connection.
LEARN
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Aldo Leopold
We learn how we relate to each other, the earth community, and God in order to participate in God’s healing of the cosmos. Learning about ecology, theology, climate science, and indigenous knowledge equips us to be in right relationship with ourselves, Creation, and God.
ADVOCATE
“The survival of the earth, therefore, is a moral issue for everybody. If we do not save the earth from destructive human behavior, no one will survive. That fact alone ought to be enough to inspire people of all colors to join hands in the fight for a just and sustainable planet.” Dr. James H. Cone
The Path considers public advocacy and political engagement essential to Christian discipleship. We equip parishes to become leaders in collective transformation, and through our advocacy we can stand in solidarity with the marginalized and the oppressed.
THE FOUR LEVELS
PREPARE PLANT GROW HARVEST
Each parish begins at a different place of knowledge, status, and enthusiasm in the work of creation justice. We have built our framework around four levels from beginner to accomplished.
The first level (PREPARE) assumes very little action and awareness of the crisis to date, allowing many parishes to immediately feel encouraged as they start by checking off areas where they have already made progress. In contrast, the fourth level (HARVEST) requires real change that intentionally challenges both the status quo of the Church and many typical American assumptions.
We hope that these goals will serve as invitations to lead a more meaningful, joyful, and Christ-centered life. Our volunteers will play a key role in helping parishes find their starting place, identify their next steps, and cast a vision for their future.
