REA2024 Refugia Futures and Corridors of Belonging

Refugia Futures and Corridors of Belonging: Nurturing Humans for Climate Realities Across Faiths and Places. The biological concept of refugia is used as a metaphor by Debra Rienstra to highlight the importance of local focus combined with global connection. Rienstra will moderate this panel conversation, engaging worldviews informed by Ecowomanist, Animist, and Christian perspectives.

Key Questions: How are faith communities ideally suited to foster refugia and corridors (or not)? How are we forming children/youth/adults in relation to "ancestors / something more / faith" in a climate-changed world? Specifically, beginning with each panel member’s “own” children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews: What do you want today’s children to hold as they head into the next few decades? What is the importance of building communities of belonging across faiths, places, and virtual spaces? What spiritual resources do we want future generations to have to process anxiety and grief; to find consolation and reliable hope?

Animated by Debra Reinstra (Calvin University), Daniel Foor, and Melanie Harris (Wake Forest University).

Facilitated by Wanda Stahl (Boston University School of Theology).