“Blessing the Waters of Life: Justice and Healing for Our Watersheds” September 26-29, 2017
The national biennial conference of Presbyterians for Earth Care is coming to Oregon and will focus on water issues at the nexus of faith, climate change and indigenous people. Caring for and celebrating the “waters of life” has always been central to Indigenous people of the world much as water rituals and images in scripture are central in the Christian tradition. Across our nation, increased development, including fossil fuel extraction and transportation projects threaten waters, especially the waters of indigenous land in places like Standing Rock and the Columbia River Watershed. Indigenous wisdom, leadership, and resistance have much to teach about how to face these struggles.
A special feature of this year’s conference will be an environmental justice immersion, “Spirit of the Salmon: Water, Culture, and Justice in the Columbia Watershed” on September 25 and 26th which includes trips to tribal fishing platforms and Celilo Village near The Dalles.
Our keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, an ordained Lutheran minister, and seminary professor, is active in public theology in both the scholarly academy and the church, working on climate justice and the Bible. The worship leader is the Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath is a professor of theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte. www.presbyearthcare.org and for meals and lodging at www.menucha.org. Limited commuter options are available.