Ecology and Religion at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio

How can seminaries prepare future faith leaders to address today’s environmental challenges? In this engaging presentation, Dr. Tim Van Meter, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and the Alford Chair of Christian Education and Youth at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO), shares how he developed a groundbreaking Religion and Ecology course and helped embed sustainability into seminary life.

Dr. Van Meter explains how introducing ecology into theological education has inspired new initiatives across the campus, encouraging students, faculty, and future clergy to connect faith with environmental stewardship. His presentation demonstrates how seminaries can become living examples of sustainability while preparing religious leaders to address climate change, creation care, and ecological responsibility in their ministries.

This video was recorded at the Symposium on Ecologically Informed Theological Education in Washington, D.C., held in March 2017. The symposium brought together more than 70 seminary presidents, deans, and faculty members to explore innovative ways of integrating faith, ecology, and sustainability into theological curricula.

The event was co-organized by the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, the Washington Theological Consortium, the Green Seminary Initiative (GSI), and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO), and hosted by The Catholic University of America’s School of Theology and Religious Studies. It formed part of the Seminary Environmental Leadership Initiative, which equips theological institutions to prepare future religious leaders for the environmental challenges of the 21st century.

If you are interested in hearing more commentary on the intersection between religion and ecology, check out our video on the Interfaith Climate Change Press Conference in Jerusalem!