HALKI SUMMIT II on Theology, Ecology and the Word to be held in June 2015
15/1/15
VISIT WEBSITE HERE:
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The Halki Summit is a gathering of activists, scientists, journalists, business leaders, theologians, and academics engaging and working across intellectual boundaries to bring the global environmental discussion to a new and richer place. At the heart of that discussion is the belief that no effort can be successful without a fundamental change in values as manifested in ethics, spirituality, and religion.
A WORD OF WELCOME From His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Dear Friends,
We welcome you to the Halki Summit II, which is scheduled to be held next summer (June 8-10, 2015), on the quaint island of Halki, a site of great importance for the Orthodox Church and just a short ferry ride from Istanbul in Turkey.
Organized under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and co-sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University, Halki Summit II will focus on the theme: “Theology, Ecology, and the Word: a conversation on the environment, literature and the arts.” The goal is to discern the literary and philosophical roots of our concern for a balanced and sustainable environment.
We are especially delighted to host such prominent keynote speakers as Ms. Terry Tempest Williams (poet and author), Prof. Timothy Gorringe (theologian and apiculturist), Dr. Raj Patel (author and activist), and James Balog (mountaineer and photographer). These and other esteemed guests will deliberate on a topic not discussed enough in environmental or theological circles, namely the relationship of nature and the arts – including literature and poetry, music and photography, as well as food and culture – but also the place and power of the arts to influence our values, beliefs and actions in defense of God’s creation.
Moreover, beyond the participation of authors and artists from around the world, we also hope to share highlights of this critical dialogue through this website and other social media.
We fervently believe that any chance of reversing climate change and the depletion of the earth’s resources requires first and foremost a radical change in values and beliefs in order that people can include the ethical and spiritual dimension of environmental sustainability in their lives and practices.
Prayerfully yours,
+ BARTHOLOMEW
Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
In June, 2015, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is organizing the second Halki Summit, co-sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University. The summit will bring together pioneers and experts from around the world on the theme: “Theology, Ecology, and the Word: a conversation on the environment, literature and the arts.” We believe that any chance of reversing climate change and the depletion of the earth’s resources requires first and foremost a change in values and beliefs in order that people can include the ethical and spiritual dimension of environmental sustainability in their lives and practices.
Halki Summit I, which focused on the theme of “Global Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability,” was held in June 2012, featuring such prominent speakers as Jane Goodall, Bill McKibben, James Hansen, and Amory Lovins.
Halki Summit II will be opened by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and include such prominent speakers as Ms. Terry Tempest Williams (poet and author), Prof. Timothy Gorringe (theologian and apiculturist), Dr. Raj Patel (author and activist), and James Balog (mountaineer and photographer). The closing session will be chaired by Elder Metropolitan John [Zizioulas] of Pergamon, the most prominent Orthodox spokesman on environmental issues.
Organizing Committee:
Elder Metropolitan John of Pergamon, Ecumenical Patriarchate (co-chair)
Dr. Paul Leblanc, President: Southern New Hampshire University (co-chair)
Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Ecumenical Patriarchate (secretary)
Planning Committee:
Ms. Helen Davies, Southern New Hampshire University (co-chair)
Rev. Nephon Tsimalis, Ecumenical Patriarchate (co-chair)
George Sarraf, Ecumenical Patriarchate (secretary)
