Rothko Chapel

3/2/19

12:35-12:55pm

Remarks from the Mayor of Houston

The Honorable Mayor Sylvester Turner gave a short address on climate initiatives in the city of Houston.

The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally.

Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

3/1/19

12:30-1:45pm

Environmental Injustices faced by Frontline, Indigenous and Vulnerable Communities

This presentation and conversation included a pre-recorded message and poetry video from Marshall Islander poet Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner. From oyster beds in Louisiana, to the Quinault Indian Nation in Washington state, low income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the changing climate. This presentation and discussion shared firsthand accounts of the realities three specific communities currently face, including their work toward change and the creative opportunities that arise to combat these injustices.

Jim Morris, journalist and interim CEO of the Center for Public Integrity

Bryan Parras, Co-Founder of the Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.) and Dirty Fuels Gulf Coast Organizer at Sierra Club

Fawn Sharp, President of the Quinault Indian Nation in the Pacific Northwest

Moderator: Earthea Nance, PhD, PE, CFM, Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University

The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally.

Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

2/28/19

Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis

"The Human Toll of Climate Change: A Reporter's Reflections"

Opening Keynote Address by Somini Sengupta, The New York Times International Climate Reporter and George Polk Award-winning foreign correspondent

Climate change is not only about the planet -- it's about the past, present, and future of the people who live here. Sengupta shares reflections from her writings about the human toll of climate change on vulnerable communities around the world.

The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally.

Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

Somini Sengupta, The New York Times’s international climate reporter, tells the stories of communities and landscapes most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. A George Polk Award-winning foreign correspondent, she has reported from a Congo River ferry, a Himalayan glacier, the streets of Baghdad and Mumbai and many places in between. As The Times’s United Nations correspondent, she reported on global challenges from war to women's rights. Her first book, The End of Karma: Hope and Fury Among India's Young was published in 2016 by W.W. Norton. She grew up in India, Canada and the United States, graduating from the University of California at Berkeley.

3/1/19

Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis

"Impact of Climate Change on Mind, Body, and Spirit"

Panel

Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of First Voices Indigenous Radio and member of the Cheyenne River Lakota of South Dakota

Christie Manning, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Psychology at Macalester College

Umair A. Shah, Executive Director and Local Health Authority for Harris County Public Health Department

Moderator: Alejandro Chaoul, Director of The Jung Center’s Mind Body Spirit Institute and Director of Education at the Integrative Medicine program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The impact of climate change is vast—impacting our countries, cities, communities, homes and each of us on a personal level. This conversation will explore the physical, psychological and spiritual effects of the changing climate, engaging the perspectives of a public health official, a research psychologist, and an Indigenous leader from the Lakota Tribe.

This program was a part of "Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis."

The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally.

Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

This interfaith conversation explores the map of climate change and how to navigate it through the lenses of Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh traditions. Panelists spoke about what they see as possible paths to take, and whether we might reimagine new ones going forward.

Vijaya Nagarajan, Associate Professor in Department of Theology and Religious Studies and the Program of Environmental Studies at University of San Francisco

Sister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, PhD, Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College

Rajwant Singh, President at EcoSikh and Executive Director of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation

Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Executive Director of Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) and Spiritual Leader at Temple Hesed

Moderator: Steve Kolmes, Chair of the Environmental Studies Department and Molter Chair in Science at the University of Portland

This program was a part of "Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis."

The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally.

Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

3/2/19

Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis

8:45-9am

Morning Observance and Poetry

"Multiple Choice Test after the Hurricane" by Jackson Neal, Houston Youth Poet Laureate and National Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador

"Young Activists Speak Out"

Panel

Juan Elizondo, 31-year-old from Houston, Texas, Partnerships Coordinator and Instructional Specialist at Furr High School

Jayden Foytlin, 15-year-old from Rayne, Louisiana, an indigenous climate activist, and a plaintiff in the case, Juliana v. United States

Nadia Nazar, 16-year old from Baltimore, Maryland, Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director, and Art Director of Zero Hour

Moderator: Estrella Sainburg, GreenFaith Organizer

The people who are the least responsible for climate change are the ones who will be the most impacted long-term. Knowing this, they are taking the lead in making their demands for a livable climate known to the leaders of our cities and countries. This panel will explore what young leaders from different parts of the country are doing to lead us toward a better climate future. Examples include a class action lawsuit against the government, a national youth-led protest march, and joining local advocacy groups and empowering young people to make change.

This program was a part of "Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis."

The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally.

Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

2/6/2019

Twelve Moments: Stewardship

Zen Buddhist Tradition with Mary Carol Edwards

For the month of February, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation on the topic of "Stewardship" in the Zen Buddhist tradition, led by Mary Carol Edwards. 

This program preceded our 2019 Symposium "Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis" taking place February 28 through March 2 at the Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas. To learn more, click here. 

About the presenter:

Mary Carol is a lay entrusted dharma teacher at the Houston Zen Center. After exploring various faith traditions, she began practicing Zen Buddhism in the Soto lineage in 1998. She also has a calling for environmental restoration, particularly wetlands. She was a stormwater wetland specialist for Texas A&M Extension Service for 8 years, and recently started on a new path as a wetland plant farmer. Mary Carol has deep roots in Texas as a 9th generation native, and loves to see nature and the dharma flourishing in Houston.

About the series:

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month at 12pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a contemplative practice focusing on different spiritual or faith traditions featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about specific spiritual and faith traditions and experience a contemplative practice.

2/5/2019

Poetic Reflections by Gerling-Mut Duo

Poetic Reflections was performed by Dr. Ingrid Gerling (violin/voice) and Dr. Andreea Mut (piano). Each piece in the program was based on meditation, sacred text, or religiously inspired poetry, written by composers of different religious backgrounds and nationalities. Poetic Reflections aimed to share an experience of universal spirituality that can be deeply felt through music. One of Houston's most notable composers, Paul English, debuted a piece composed for Gerling-Mut Duo, centering around the mission of the Rothko Chapel. Gerling-Mut Duo were joined by guest musicians Gabriel Santiago, guitar, and Cassio Duarte, percussion.

About Gerling-Mut Duo:

Known for their dynamic performances and creative programming, Dr. Ingrid Gerling and Dr. Andreea Muţ are re-energizing the concept of the violin and piano duo. They began their musical collaboration in 2012, while pursuing their Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees at the University of Houston. Upon graduating in 2015, they officially formed the Gerling-Mut Duo with the mission to bring new life to this traditional genre. They perform a wide range of repertoire, and share a strong commitment to performing contemporary music. Since its formation, the Gerling-Mut Duo has given multiple recitals at the University of St. Thomas and performs weekly for the Harmony in the Air series at the Hobby Airport.

Their recent performances at San Jacinto College and at the Memorial Classical Music series were received with great enthusiasm, and they have since been invited to give recitals at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church and Grace United Methodist Church. The Gerling-Mut Duo was also featured at Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Rice University Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance as part of the Arts of Tolerance program. Future plans include another series of recitals at University of St. Thomas and other venues in Houston, outreach performances throughout Houston, and a recital tour in Brazil.

This program was presented in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week | February 1 – 7, 2019

The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN.

The World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the two common religious commandments: Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbor, and includes all people of goodwill, those of faith and those with no faith. The week provides a platform when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerful movement they are. It is hoped that this initiative will provide a focal point from which all people of goodwill can recognize that the common values they hold far outweigh the differences they have, and thus provide a strong dosage of peace and harmony to their communities. For more information on World Interfaith Harmony Week and other events happening around the world, please visit: worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com

1/15/2019

Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

In honor of the life and work of the Rev. Dr. King, the Chapel hosted a conversation between civil rights activist and organizer Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. and Former Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao exploring the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Dr. King, moderated by Melanie Lawson. The program featured opening remarks by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray. This program coincided with the Houston-wide Gandhi Sesquicentennial Celebration in partnership with the Mahatma Gandhi Library-Houston.

A performance by Indrajit Banerjee (sitar) and Shantilal Shah (tabla) took place from 6:30-7pm during seating for the event. A performance by the Phillip Hall Singers concluded the program.

Rev. Francene Young, Christian Tradition

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

For the month of December, the Rothko Chapel presented a contemplative practice on the topic of "Justice," led by Rev. Francene Young of St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church. Rev. Young led participants in reflections on passages related to the theme of justice from three different interpretations of the Bible, while providing prayers for families on the border.

About the presenter:

The Rev. Francene Young is the current Transition Minister for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the Vicar at St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church. While working as a Vice President in Human Resources for a global energy company, she attended the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Iona School for Ministry. After successfully completing the three-year program, Francene was ordained a Transitional Deacon in 2011 and a Priest in January 2012. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, she attended the Baptist church until being introduced to the Episcopal Church at age seventeen. After participating in a citywide Episcopal youth group in the Diocese of Ohio, Francene and her five younger siblings were confirmed in the Episcopal Church. When she was a junior in college, she led a parish on Cleveland's near west side during their transition between vicars. In the church, she has served as Senior Warden, Treasurer, Head of Lay Ministries, Verger, Christian Formation instructor, and Lay Eucharistic Minister. Francene has a master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and an undergraduate in Social Services from Cleveland State University.

About the series:

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month at 12pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a contemplative practice focusing on different spiritual or faith traditions featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about specific spiritual and faith traditions and experience a contemplative practice.