Building Partnerships with the Faith Community

Formerly called the Spirituality Outreach Guide: A Guide for Environmental Organizations Working with Faith-Based Groups, this guide (out of print in 2009) addresses religious community involvement in environmental conservation. The handbook has specific advice about how to find members of the spiritual community with whom to work, the tone to take in approaching partnerships, and examples of activities on which religious and secular environmental activists may wish to partner. In addition, there are examples of ways environmental groups can help their religious community partners focus on environmental issues.

The handbook also includes resources and profiles from organisations in the religious and conservation worlds, primarily from Christian and Jewish faith traditions. A brief overview of theological and historical roots of conservation within the Jewish and Christian communities, scriptural quotes related to caring for the environment, and quotes from other faith traditions are provided in the guide as a basis for communication outreach. The handbook lists Ten Pitfalls to Avoid, Key “How To” Points, and has a bibliography and resource list.