Gordon in the News: last updated 12/15/2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Kadlecek
Senior Writer
978.867.4752
[email protected]
WENHAM, MA—Two years ago, leaders from the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) wanted to help its constituents better understand the impact climate change was having on global poverty. They called Dorothy Boorse, associate professor of biology at Gordon College, for recommendations of scholars who might be able to help. Because environmental stewardship is one of Boorse’s areas of expertise, she not only suggested others, she signed on herself.
Now, Boorse is the lead author of the new report entitled, “Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment,” which NAE will release this month during a special event in Washington, D.C., at the headquarters of World Vision, a global humanitarian organization. Boorse will travel Tuesday, December 13, to the nation’s capital to join NAE leaders, contributing scientists and authors and congressional guests for a celebration luncheon to launch the publication.
“The issue [of climate change] can be confusing in the media, so we wanted to present clear, thoroughly researched but accessible information people can trust but could also stand up to scrutiny by experts,” Boorse said. “This report is an exciting step forward.”
NAE began the project by wanting to broaden Christian concern for the poor, and set out to produce a collaborative publication that could address such issues. The result is a 50-page print and online publication that explores the relationship between the changing environment and poverty. “Loving the Least of These” is divided into four sections: 1.) a biblical basis for Christian engagement; 2.) the science of changing climate; 3.) a perspective of how climate change affects the poor; and 4.) practical ways to move forward.
“The goal [of the report] is for evangelicals to get to a new place in the discussion on Christ’s call to care for the poor,” Boorse said. “Sometimes, our biblical perspectives can be disconnected from real global issues, so this report brings the two together.”
Though Boorse was the lead author for the report, other contributing authors include NAE President Leith Anderson; Christopher Shore, director of Natural Environment and Climate Issues at World Vision International; Ken Wilson, senior pastor of the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Thomas Ackerman, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington; Galen Carey, NAE’s vice president of government relations; and Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of the Wesleyan Church.
“The initiative went through multiple drafts, about two dozen reviewers and a number of people who served as expert advisors so it was very collaborative,” Boorse said. “Our goal was to put a human face on climate change, and I think this report has done that.”
The National Association of Evangelicals plans to make the report available to its members who comprise over 40 denominations and thousands of individual churches, organizations, universities and individuals.
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Gordon College is a multidenominational Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston’s North Shore, offering majors in 38 fields with graduate programs in education and music education. Gordon is nationally recognized for excellence in academics and in character building, and ranks as one of the nation’s top Christian colleges. www.gordon.edu
