Web Links

Religions and the Environment – Background Information

The Forum on Religion and Ecology

http://fore.research.yale.edu/religion/

An American site which claims to be ‘the largest international multireligious project of its kind.’ Its website gives background information of numerous religions, their attitude towards the natural world and to environmental problems. Has links to many faith-based projects.

Alliance of Religions and Conservation

http://www.arcworld.org/

British based organization that aims to help ‘the major religions of the world to develop their own environmental programmes, based on their own core teachings, beliefs and practices’.

Website provides background information on the core beliefs of world religions from Bahai to Zoroastrianism.

The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences

http://www.ifees.org.uk/

A new British-based site.

Islamic Concern

http://www.islamicconcern.com/

An interesting Islamic site which questions ‘traditional’ attitudes towards meating eating, animal sacrifice and even attitudes towards dogs, from an Animal Rights perspective

The Sikh Network

http://fateh.sikhnet.com/s/GuruGranthSahib

The Siri Guru Granth Sahib

BuddhaNet

http://www.buddhanet.net/

Buddhist Scriptures

Faith Responses to Environmental Issues

Christian Ecology

http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk/

Offers insights into ecology and the environment to Christian people and churches. Active in promoting Operation Noah – which encourages churches and individuals to take action to stop climate change. Provides worship notes for churches, but which could be adapted for use in schools.

A Rocha - Christians in Conservation

http://www.arocha.org/

An international organisation bringing people together for environmental education and action, with a special emphasis on students and school children. The British branch runs an inner city nature reserve in Southall. Provides worship materials for Environment Sunday which can be adapted for use in schools

The John Ray Initiative

http://www.jri.org.uk/

The JRI is dedicated to promoting responsible environmental stewardship in accordance with Christian principles and the wise use of science and technology. Website provides background articles, bible studies, Powerpoint slideshows.

EcoCongregation

http://www.ecocongregation.org/

Ecocongregation aims to ‘encourage churches to weave creation care into their life and mission’. Their website has many downloadable discussion papers, worship ideas and educational activities.

For R.E.

RE Online

http://www.reonline.org.uk/

has been designed as the starting point for using the Internet in RE teaching and learning. Its main feature is a searchable index of regularly checked RE resources on the Web, along with directories of ICT resources and organisations; links to school websites and 'News & Views'.

RE-XS

http://re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk/

provides links to resources for more than 20 world religions and belief systems; material on ethical and moral issues; RE teacher support; a news service; and 'Interact!' with discussion groups and contacts.

BBC Bitesize Religion

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/environment/

Pages for students which provide material on the attitudes of Christianity, Hinduism and Islam towards the environment.

Education for Sustainable Development - RE Pages

http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/key-stages-1-and-2/subjects/religious-education/

‘Religious education promotes education for sustainable development. How human beings treat each other and their environment and use the world's resources depends on their understanding both of the world's, and their own, significance. Such significance is reflected in the beliefs and stories about the origin, value and purpose of life.’ An excellent site which explores the links between Sustainable Development Education and the RE Agreed Syllabuses.

Secular Organizations Which Provide Environmental Educational Resources

WWF-UK Education and Community

http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/working_with_schools/

The WWFLearning site is an excellent resource gateway, which provides many classroom resources, for both Primary and Secondary Schools; news about professional development for teachers; and information about books and software.

Natural England

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

British government website which provides many environmental education activities for Primary and Secondary schools.

Oxfam: Cool Planet for Kids

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/

This Oxfam has lots of information and activities on a variety of issues, including some on environmental issues.

Faith Responses to Ethical Issues

Christian Aid

http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

le@rn zone provides primary and secondary curriculum materials that raise issues of responsibility within a global context; draw on Christian Aid's long experience of life in developing countries and encourage children and young people to question and explore others' experiences, enabling them to understand complex and sometimes controversial issues.

CAFOD

http://www.cafod.org.uk/

The 'Resources' section of the website has a collection of resources focusing on development issues – including some excellent simulation games.

Tear Fund

http://www.tearfund.org/

The Youth Leader' has resources on world debt; development issues and the international arms trade.

Other Sites Concerned with Citizenship/Stewardship Issues

Traidcraft

http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/

Traidcraft is an independent UK fair trade organisation. Their site includes background information on fair trade issues and personal stories, as well as material on trade justice for use in schools.

Intermediate Technology

http://www.itdg.org/

The Intermediate Technology Development Group is committed to sustainable development and has a mission to build the technical skills of poor people in developing countries, enabling them to improve the quality of their lives and that of future generations. Provides some printed resources for schools.

Worldwatch Institute

http://www.worldwatch.org/

The Worldwatch Institute is dedicated to fostering the evolution of an environmentally sustainable society through research and disseminating information.

One World Week

http://www.oneworldweek.org/v2/

One World Week aims to bring together local people to act on global issues and make an impact on decision makers locally, nationally and internationally. The site includes information about resources for schools.

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