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In this conversation, Christine Sine and Forrest Inslee engage with Ruth Valerio, exploring her journey into Earth care and the integration of faith with environmentalism. Ruth shares her personal experiences and theological insights, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental issues. The discussion highlights the importance of simplicity in living, the role of the church in advocating for Earth care, and the need for individual action in addressing the climate crisis.

takeaways

• Ruth's journey into Earth care began with a focus on poverty and social justice.
• A second conversion experience led Ruth to understand the importance of creation care.
• Nature is not separate from humanity; we are part of creation.
• Theological foundations of Earth care are rooted in scripture and God's love for all creation.
• Earth care and social justice are intertwined and cannot be separated.
• Living simply is a response to the damage caused by consumerism.
• The church has the potential to mobilize for significant change in Earth care.
• Individual actions can lead to collective impact in addressing environmental issues.
• Advocacy and speaking out for the marginalized is a Christian responsibility.
• We must resist the politicization of climate issues and focus on the crisis at hand.

Ruth Valerio writes:

"I have a vision to inspire and equip people to a whole-life response to environmental breakdown and poverty, helping build a movement that brings about lasting change on the issues that impact the poorest and most vulnerable, and that creates a flourishing natural world. I am Programmes, Partnerships and Advocacy Director for Embrace the Middle East – an organisation that works to support Middle East Christians as they tackle poverty and injustice in vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Academically, I have a theology degree from Cambridge and a doctorate from Kings College London, in which I looked at simplicity and consumerism and particularly at the relationship between Thomas Aquinas’ virtues of temperance and justice. I also hold honorary doctorates from the Universities of Winchester and Chichester and am Canon Theologian at Rochester Cathedral.

I have written extensively on justice, environment and lifestyle issues. See the Publications pages for more information. I enjoy public speaking and am a regular media contributor.

My Christian faith and spirituality are central to my life, and from this bedrock comes a deep desire to work for social justice, equality and ecological flourishing. My home church is part of the 24/7 Prayer network of churches, but I feel comfortable  connecting across denominations and church networks, and am also very comfortable outside the faith sphere too!"

You can contact and learn more about Ruth Valerio at ruthvalerio.net

More about Forrest Inslee including contact information can be found at his website www.circlewood.online

Find out more about Christine Sine on
Walking In Wonder on Substack
and on her website Godspacelight
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