Taking on Eco-Anxiety: Congregation-Wide Approaches
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus
The American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica have defined eco-anxiety (aka climate anxiety) as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” This fear can stem from direct experience of extreme weather events and environmental change (e.g., floods, forest fires, hurricanes, drought) or exposure to climate change information through news media and other sources. This timely program will explore how multiple generations and faith community leaders can together take on and mitigate the effects of the eco-anxiety many of their members feel through information, education, resources and action.
Presenter: Rev. Emily Meyer, Ministry Lab Executive Director, MN Conference United Church of Christ, Minnesota Church Center, Minneapolis
* One CEU is available for attending this program in person.
Learning Objectives:
Gain important background information and data on eco-anxiety as a mental health concern.
Discuss how your faith community can have more beneficial conversations around health and eco-anxiety.
Learn about spiritual practices specific to climate change.
Discover intergenerational approaches for creating engagement around addressing care for creation.
Understand how children and young people can and do lead the way in practicing eco-justice that others can follow.
Become familiar with a toolkit faith communities can use to help address the eco-anxiety many members are experiencing.