Resources

Environmental Justice

Environmental stewardship is a practice stemming from our belief in the continuous reconciliation between the Lord and all of creation. God desires to make all things right! This belief is central to our creation care work that extends from opposing harmful systems, to encouraging practices that honor the image of God in creation. Environmental degradation is also connected to the deep brokenness and inequity of the world. In our pursuit to look more like Jesus, we stand firmly against racism, classism, and other discriminatory forces that detrimentally harm our neighbors. In this section, you will find resources to help us meaningfully grow in our understanding of environmental justice.

Decolonialism and Indigenous Knowledge

The colonization of Indigenous peoples and land has significantly contributed to the climate crisis, with the extractive and exploitative nature of colonialism causing deep harm to people and the planet. Christianity was–and often still is–a driving force of colonization through beliefs and efforts such as the Doctrine of Discovery, missions, and Native American residential schools, to name a few. Christians today as spiritual successors of this legacy have a responsibility of repentance, repair, and reparation.

Decolonization refers to the process of dismantling colonial structures, institutions, and systems of power and establishing sovereignty for colonized peoples. It involves not only political and economic independence, but more importantly, the restoration of cultural and intellectual sovereignty and lands being returned to their original and rightful owners.

Decolonization can take many forms, including “landback” movements; reincorporating silenced stories, experiences, and events into national histories; and the revitalization of traditional practices. Decolonization is key to the climate movement, as responding to the crisis at hand means treating its roots, not just the symptoms. We suggest the following resources as a starting place to learn about Christianity and colonialism from Indigenous wisdom keepers.

Resources denoted with an asterisk have authors/creators who are or have been directly involved with YECA and our programs and/or leadership.