Scottish Laity Network: Season of Creation

As the devastating impact of climate change is now a daily reality the celebration of the Season of Creation, 1st September - 4th October, takes on even more importance.

This year's theme is rooted in the words of prophet Amos who cries out "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity.

For the Scottish Laity Network's Season of Creation 2023 programme we are delighted to welcome as our companions - Arlene Flaherty, Eduardo Agosto Scarel, Val King and Neil Douglas-Klotz.

Thursday 7th September

Flowing within the Divine: A Spirituality for ALL Seasons

Companion: Arlene Flaherty

Arlene is a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, NY, and for the past 40 years her ministry has been at the intersection of theology, spirituality, and justice.

Reflecting on the theme: "Let Justice and Peace Flow" Arlene asks: But what is the source of this flow? Where does it reside? How can we align ourselves with this generative and transforming power for the sake of Earth and her community of life?

In this session, we will reflect on some theological and spiritual insights emerging from contemporary understandings of creation. The hope is that throughout the session, participants will harvest the wisdom needed to align with the FLOW, so as to support God's dream and our desire - the flourishing of creation's community of life - a community to which we all belong.

Thursday 14th September

The Reality of Climate Change and Myth Busting

Companion: Eduardo Agosto Scarel

Eduardo is an Italian-born Catholic priest and Carmelite friar (O.Carm.), raised in Argentina.

He is an expert in climate variability and change and its impact on a regional level, integral ecology, eco-theology, and science-faith relationship. He has done extensive research on the climate and climate change and held a number of academic posts in this area. He is also a consultant for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a member of the International Commission for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation of the Carmelite Order, a consultant for the Latin American Episcopal Council, and Principal Advisor on Advocacy for the Laudato Si' Movement.

Thursday 21st September

How might Christians respond to the Climate Emergency?

Companion: Val King

Val is the Coordinator of Christian Climate Action - Scotland. She comes from a business background and was joint owner and Managing Director of a manufacturing company based in the Cotswolds.

In 2019 the business was sold to 70 employees via an Employee Ownership Trust and Val and her husband Pete moved to Stirling where they now own a 69 acre farm they are re-wilding.

She now spends her time in climate activism, advising businesses on employee ownership and growing veggies in a very large polytunnel.

Thursday 28th September

Birthing Cosmos and Self ~ Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus

Companion: Neil Douglas-Klotz

Neil, who lives in Fife - Scotland, is an internationally acknowledged teacher, scholar, author, and musician, specialising in the native traditions of Southwest Asia (the "Middle East").

He is the author of Prayers of the Cosmos, The Hidden Gospel, The Sufi Book of Life, Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus and many other books.

His work helps us to discover the language that Jesus spoke and appreciate the culture and worldview out of which his wisdom comes. It gives insights into the thinking and the cosmology of the Aramaic Jesus.

All our sessions are online at 7pm UK Time and everyone is welcome to participate in the full programme or specific sessions.

LINKS

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/7PtdpProL8MFDPga9

Programme and Details of Companions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11pmYCyh2VTNkRIXfNOIQYTNF5A_1mKLK/view?usp=sharing

SLN Website: https://scottishlaitynetwork.org.uk