3. Explore the spirit of nature in religious study and practice.

Boe Chapel

In 1993, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America approved a social statement on "Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice." In the section on "Justice Through Sustainability" in that document, the ELCA notes that "we see the despoiling of the environment as nothing less than the degradation of God's gracious gift of creation." The statement says that "the principle of sustainability summons our church .... to support U.S. farmers who are turning to sustainable methods, and to encourage industries to produce sustainably. It summons each of us, in every aspect of our lives, to behave in ways that are consistent with the long-term sustainability of our planet." More specifically, the ELCA statement promises that "as congregations and other expressions of this church, we will seek to incorporate the principles of sufficiency and sustainability in our life." "Caring for Creation" advocates an "environmental tithe"—producing ten percent less in waste, consuming ten percent less in non-renewable resources, and contributing the savings to earthcare efforts—and other measures that work to limit consumption and reduce wastes. Consequently, for the ELCA, sustainability isn't just a practical question—it's practically a religious question. So as a college of the church, St. Olaf can benefit from the ELCA's environmental guidance.

Every Sunday in Chapel at St. Olaf, we say, "We dedicate ourselves to the care and redemption of all that God has made." But what does that mean in practice? How does "justice through sustainability" become a part of the St. Olaf community?

Christie Gibbons '05 speaking in Boe Chapel

Daily chapel provides opportunities for members of the community and our guests to share ideas about the connections between God and creation, between lives of worth and service and lives of environmental sustainability. Hymns and prayers often praise God's creation, or use natural metaphors to express the good news of the gospel.

The liturgical seasons of the church are connected, of course, to nature's seasons, so in chapel, we're often indirectly paying attention to the weather. On a few days of the year, we pay special attention. On October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi , chapel always turns to environmental issues. Services often move outdoors, and people often participate in activities like blessing animals, planting trees, etc. Earth Week also marks a time of reflection about the nature of spirituality and vice versa. In 2004, a series of chapel speakers during Earth Week engaged participants with ideas about the religious roots of environmentalism, and about the care of creation on the St. Olaf campus.

The student congregation always engages in outreach and stewardship, but usually more social service than environmental engagement. Over the past 10 years, thousands of dollars and books have gone to children and teachers in Tanzania . Offerings and sponsorships have also supported Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the children of prison inmates, children in Bosnia , and a health clinic in Mexico . In 2003-04, the student congregation worked with Heifer International to provide livestock for community development around the world.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has served the St. Olaf community well as a place for students to meet and share their faith and fellowship, prayers and stories. FCA also provides chances for outreach, small Bible study groups, mission trips, and social programs. In general, these programs haven't included an environmental focus.

In recent years, the Christian Activities Network, a coalition of campus groups, has collaborated on a group project in the Spring of the year. In some years, these could be environmental projects.