Ecological Programs and Initiatives

Here at HIU we offer many options for those who want to center their interreligious studies in love of Earth.  In the face of severe social polarizations and ruptures, love of Earth invites us into a shared space of endlessly diverse, interconnected, and sacred relationships where we can be profoundly human together.  And in the face of the overwhelming crises facing Earth and societies, coming together in such common space to explore new forms of sacred ecological connection contributes to meaning, grounding, resilience, and vision: a new way of being human on Earth.

• Graduate Certificate in Eco-Spirituality

• Ecologically Oriented Pathways through HIU's Degree Programs: By completing the Graduate Certificate in Eco-Spirituality, linked just above, as part of one of HIU's other degree programs, you can create an ecological pathway through our MAC, MAIRS, and MAIRC program.  In this case, the four courses comprising the certificate will function as four of your electives for the degree, and your HIU transcript will show both the degree name and the Eco-Spirituality certificate.  In addition, if desired, you can transfer in up to two additional ecologically related courses from other schools in the Boston Theological Initiative (BTI) in any degree program; you can complete a CPE program and/or field education oriented to eco-ministry in the MAC program;  and you can design a Capstone thesis or project relating to eco-theology, -spirituality, or ministry in the MAIRS and MAIRC program.  We are working on integrating ecological coursework also into the MAP degree.

• Advanced Standing for Graduates of the Center for Wild Spirituality's Year-Long Program: Alumni/ae of the Center for Wild Spirituality's Eco-Spirituality or Eco-Ministry programs earn an automatic two courses (six credits) of advanced standing here at HIU! You can apply these courses toward any certificate or degree we offer. This partnership establishes a reciprocity of creativity, a commitment to deeper relationship with the animate, wild Earth in collaborative conversation with eco-spiritual scholarship. Combined together, a new kind of leadership can emerge, one that is urgently needed at this time of ecological and cultural unraveling.

• Center for Transformative Spirituality

• BTS Center: We collaborate with and honor the BTS Center's programs and initiatives around spirituality, climate, ecological relationships, and Earth-centered vocation.