FAITHS

WORKING WITH FAITH GROUPS

All faiths have their own relationship with nature, expressed in their scriptures and teachings and also through art, song, dance, prayer and practical action. Drawing on their traditions, faith communities are working in countless ways to care for the environment.

Around the world, faith groups have immense influence socially, educationally, politically and culturally, both at national and local levels. This influence, combined with their spiritual insight and commitment, makes them one of the most powerful agents for social change in civil society.

Each faith has its own distinctive history and teachings, and its own unique relationship with the natural world. See below to find out more about the basics of each faith's history, beliefs and teachings on nature. Each section covers the major conservation themes of Habitat, Species and Footprint as well as links for further information.

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Working with faith groups

'I was part of the generation that made the choice – the horrendous strategic blunder – of situating ourselves outside the institutions of faith. Now we have a chance to repent of, and reform from, that error.'
Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, speaking to the Christian Science Monitor in 2007

Ethiopian Orthodox priest, by Matthew Jellings

Faith Plans

Faith groups are developing Faith Plans, looking at how they can use their assets, resources and influence to drive practical action on the environment.

The Faith Plans framework is inspired by the success of the original ARC/UNDP 2009 Faith Commitments programme which resulted in more than 60 Plans that have profoundly shaped the faiths response to environmental issues over the past decade and more.

In this latest initiative more than 80 faith communities and faith-based associations, reaching out to nearly 158 million people, have committed to develop a plan.