Faith, Fern and Compass Pro: (Protected Content)

In Episode 214 Pro – Sacred Space and Conservation, we look at the environmental challenges facing our churches, temples, sacred groves and other holy places today. What happens to the ecological balance of a sacred river when millions of people bathe, wash, and draw blessings from it? What about the sustainability of the materials to build a church, and the power to heat it, to cool it, and to travel to it? We also explore the irony of sacred animals who have come under threat by the very people they’ve inspired to reverence and worship. We spotlight ways people have sought to balance these conflicts, working with conservationist groups and taking personal responsibility for the effects of their worship on the landscape. Finally, we tackle the thorny question of green partnerships between government and religious organizations: is it always a good thing, or can it be misguided? What about the separation of church and state?

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Links:

• Wild leopards threatened by religious tradition in Africa
• Blood Ivory
• Buddhist Ceremonial Release of Captive Birds May Harm Wildlife
• An Official Statement from the Green Wolf
• Taoists take up natural role for ecology
• Daoism—the way forward on climate change?
• 5 sustainable synagogues and 6 churches that say ‘amen’ to going green
• The Power of Interfaith Collaboration: Linking Energy Conservation and Faith Communities
• News about Sacred Groves in Estonia: April 2011; May 2011; January 2012; March 2012

Music Credits:

• Opening and closing theme: “Dragonfly” by Brian Boyko
• “Lovers in the Moonlight,” by Peter Vorländer

Art Credits:

• “Elephant Sunset,” by Jon Rawlinson