2018 Luce-Hartford Conference in Christian-Muslim Relations

Climate change and environmental concerns are major issues facing communities across the globe. The effects of climate change have already had major economic, political, and cultural impacts. In fact, the discussions around the 2016 Paris Agreement and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol have sparked international debate about climate change and the role of human accountability. Concerns about the environment have also prompted cultural shifts in actions and expectations about environmental responsibility.

Theological understandings of creation and the environment and concepts of environmentally conscious spirituality are not new among Christians and Muslims. Yet, the dramatic rise in environmental concerns has prompted creative thinking among religious communities and organizations. The 2018 Luce-Hartford conference on Christian-Muslim Relations will address the topic of “God’s Creation and Human Responsibility.” The conference will explore theological reflection and scriptural references to climate change. The conference will be a forum for the sharing and exploration of “green projects” and environmentally responsible ventures among Christian and Muslim communities. In addition to one Muslim and one Christian keynote speaker, and religious leaders from various organizations, attendees of the conference will be invited to network opportunities for work in environmentally responsible activities from a faith-based perspective.

The 2018 Luce-Hartford conference is intended to provide an opportunity for academic theologians to reflect and articulate Muslim and Christian perspectives on creation and the environment, and to provide opportunities for professional and non-professional Christian and Muslim religious leaders to engage with each other as communities of moral deliberation for the common good.

The conference will address:

• The role of Muslim and Christian theological views on human responsibility to the environment.
• The impact of climate change on local religious communities.
• The role of and advocacy by faith-based organizations and individuals for environmental responsibility.
• Network opportunities for faith-based programs and organizations.

Questions may be directed to Professor David D. Grafton at dgrafton@hartsem.edu