Eden Vigil Institute for Environmental Leadership
Roots & Realism
In support of WCIU’s vision “for a verdant and flourishing world,” the Eden Vigil Institute promotes research, education, and discussion on the spiritual, religious, economic and other roots of the climate and ecological crisis.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a center of wisdom for activists in all environmental movements (climate, creation care, environmental justice, environmental missions, etc.), including promoting the principles and practical skills of Adaptive Leadership.
“There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root, and it may be that he who bestows the largest amount of time and money on the needy is doing the most by his mode of life to produce that misery which he strives in vain to relieve.”
– Henry David Thoreau
A Consultation
In-person in July and/or 5 newsletters Mar-July
Climate Bible Studies
Dive into a series of Bible studies on climate action.
Recent Publications
A Consultation
“The Old Future is Gone”: Eco-Realism and Reimagined Faith for the New Future
In July 2024 we gathered for a consultation on “The Old Future is Gone”: Eco-Realism and Reimagined Faith in the New Future, at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Like many of you, we have labored for many years on behalf of Christian environmental advocacy, but of late, realistic thinking about the future of the ecological crisis—the new future, not the old one—has become profoundly unsettling and confusing for us. Hence, please consider joining us by participating in forging a new way forward.
“The old future’s gone
We can’t get to there from here.
The old future’s dead and gone
Never to return.
There’s a new way through the hills ahead.
This one we’ll have to earn”
Plans and Programs:
WCIU has plans to offer courses related to Adaptive Leadership and the Environment in our M.A. in Development Studies. More details to come!
Christian Climate Observers Program (at COP29 in Baku,Azerbaijan)
CCOP2024 gives emerging leaders from under-mobilized constituencies an immersive experience of a U.N. climate summit. Participants are given credentials as official Observers to access the inside of COP29 and are discipled by veteran leaders in a Christian and missional approach to climate action. Applications close on July 23, 2024 Visit us at: https://www.ccopclimate.org
Webinars, including “Processing the Difficult Emotions of Climate Change”
Eden Vigil Institute webinars seek to equip practitioners in climate and environmental movements with new perspectives and skills to help them make progress on their own daunting adaptive leadership challenges. Our inaugural webinar, taught by a certified Spiritual Director, will help participants “process the difficult emotions of climate change.”
Consultations, conferences, and white papers on topics of “Roots and Realism”
In-person and on-line events will allow scholars, practitioners and activists to collaborate on the wisdom-building processes required in addressing the roots of the ecological crisis with realistic approaches. The Institute will publish in blogs, white papers, journal articles, books, and other media.
Adaptive Leadership training and consultation for environmental NGOs
Certified trainers in Adaptive Leadership, particularly using the framework of the Kansas Leadership Center, are available to assist NGOs, teams, and other practitioners in the climate and environmental movements as they seek to overcome obstacles in “mobilizing others to make progress on daunting adaptive challenges.” For a free consultation call, contact lowell@edenvigil.org.
**If you are interested in the M.A. in Development Studies
view the program details by clicking the link below.**
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This critique of COP29 in Baku draws on Matthew 25 to challenge the event's superficial approach to climate justice. It describes the conference as a "whitewashed tomb" that failed to address systemic issues and the needs of the vulnerable. The piece urges a deeper reflection on true climate action and advocates for a more authentic, impactful response that aligns with biblical teachings on justice and care for the marginalized.