The 2018 Luce Conference on Christian-Muslim Relations took on the topic of climate change. From June 18-20, participants gathered to hear faith leaders and experts discuss the topic and what to do about it.
What follows are video recordings, keynotes and Powerpoints from the major presentations for “God’s Creation and Human Responsibility.”
On June 18, Huda Alkaff, Founder and Director of Wisconsin Green Muslims, talked about her organization and about the Muslim imperative to care for the earth.
The second keynote on June 18 was delivered by The Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. Echoing the title of the conference, the Rev. Dr. Schade said the “viability of God’s creation is now in question.”
Following the two keynotes, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Watts of Hartford Seminary, gave a response. In it, he talked about the plight of African Americans who are often subject to the worse pollution and environmental problems.
Day 2 of the conference, June 19, began with a screening of the film Renewal (2007). A panel then discussed the “Best Practices of Faith-Based and Community Organizations.” Panlists were: The Rev. Tom Carr, Interreligious Eco Justice Network; Vince Maraventano, Executive Director
MA Interfaith Power & Light, Inc.; Karim Ahmed, Board Member of the National Council for Science and the Environment; and Mark R. Lewis, Brownfields Coordinator for the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.
Following the panel, participants heard from Professor Ebrahim Moosa,Professor of Islamic Studies and Co-director, Contending Modernities, Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame. Professor Moosa discussed the Pope Francis encyclical “Laudato Si.”
On the third day of the conference, the focus was “Environmental Law and Advocacy.” The main presenter was Joseph A. MacDougald, Professor-in-Residence and Executive Director, Center for Energy and Environmental Law, UConn Law School.
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