Fr. Russ McDougall on Catholic Ecology: Religious Education in the Era of Climate Change Summit

In this engaging interview, a Roman Catholic priest and director of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, Fr. Russ McDougall, reflects on the role of faith, education, and interreligious dialogue in addressing contemporary global challenges, including sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Drawing on his experience as a pastor, seminary educator, and theological leader in Kenya, Uganda, and Jerusalem, he discusses the mission of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute, which was established in the wake of the Second Vatican Council to promote Christian unity through scholarship, prayer, shared learning, and dialogue. Over time, the Institute has expanded its engagement to include meaningful relationships with Jewish and Muslim communities, making interfaith cooperation a central part of its work.

The conversation explores the challenges of integrating sustainability and ecological awareness into theological education and seminary curricula. While environmental topics are often addressed through social ethics and related disciplines, the speaker reflects on the need for deeper institutional commitment and highlights the difficulties educational institutions face when adapting traditional curricula to emerging global concerns.

A key theme of the discussion is the importance of leadership by example. The speaker points to Pope Francis’s emphasis on simplicity, humility, and environmental stewardship as a powerful influence on both church institutions and individual believers. By demonstrating a lifestyle consistent with the values he promotes, Pope Francis has helped bring ecological responsibility and care for creation into the mainstream of Christian thought and practice.

The interview also highlights the value of collaboration among theological schools, religious leaders, and educational institutions in Jerusalem and beyond. Through dialogue, networking, and shared initiatives, faith communities can play an important role in advancing sustainability, peacebuilding, interfaith understanding, and social transformation.

This inspiring discussion offers valuable insights into Christian leadership, theological education, ecumenical relations, interfaith dialogue, environmental ethics, and the growing role of faith communities in promoting a more sustainable and compassionate world.

For more from the Religious Education in the Era of Climate Change Summit, please see this video of Dr. Michael Borchard’s commentary on renegotiating nature.