Oxford is my world Your – Guide to saving the planet!

LIFESTYLE: Faith and Spirituality

Baha'i

Back in May the Baha’i International Community challenged the belief that human beings are slaves to self interest and consumerism. The statement to the UN touches on sustainability, development, human nature and prosperity .

Buddhism

The Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies website has a selection of articles on Buddhism and science.

Christianity

Sage is Oxford's Christian Environmental Group. Formed since 1990 they publish newsletters, go on walks, present and do conservation work. They have a busy events calendar. They publish an article on “Climate change, Denial and the Role of Faith”

The Church of England runs a “Shrinking the Footprint” programme, which aims to identify and reduce the Church’s carbon footprint by 20% of current levels by 2050. In conjunction with Tearfund, Church of England also runs Carbon Fast, which encourages members of churches and their families to give up carbon for Lent by presenting a guide of simple actions they can take to reduce carbon from their lifestyle .

The Anglican Diocese of Oxford has a large section of their website on the environment. Their Oxford Diocese Environment Group (ODEG), which is an active group of volunteers who meet regularly, has established environmental issues within the diocese. They link to this podcast called “Global Warming and Climate Change: A Challenge to Scientists and Christians”

Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy link to CAFOD, the international aid agency of the Catholic Church.

Hinduism

Cambridge University Hindu Cultural Society has a page on the environment. You might also find this and this blog page interesting.

Islam

It is said in the Qur’an that Allah invites us to enjoy the fruits of the earth, but to avoid excess leading to waste, ‘for Allah does not love wasters.’ Environmental principles are translated practically in shariah law such as: protect animals from cruelty, conserve forests, and limit the growth of cities .

If you would like to know more you could contact Oxford Islam and Muslim Awareness Project.

Sikhism

EcoSikh Plan urges all Sikh gurdwaras – temples – to recycle, compost, se green energy, use eco-stoves, start rainwater harvesting, purchase reusable plates and cups, and host open gurdwaras to invite people in from the community to see their green practices.

General religion

The UN has set up a. Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC). ARC works with 11 faiths whose networks embrace 85% of the world's population . They had a conference in Windsor castle recently- it marked the largest ever commitment by the faiths to environmental action. ARC is holding a conference in Oxford on ‘Spirituality as a Uniting Force for Environmental Action’ on 5th November 2010.
Ready to read more? Oxford University Press publishes A Handbook of Religion and Ecology. Alternatively this website provides many links.
Zoroastrianism claims to be the world’s first proponent of ecology, through caring for the elements and the earth, over an ancient history.

http://www.actoncopenhagen.decc.gov.uk/en/ukaction/faith/

http://www.arcworld.org/faiths.asp?pageID=6

http://bahainews-uk.info/2010/05/06/bahais-say-people-not-slaves-to-consumerism/

http://www.arcworld.org/faiths.htm

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