The Church Climate Action: Identifying the Barriers and the Bridges

For many decades, efforts are being channelled towards fostering effective robust church-based climate action across the globe. However, this desired action has unfortunately been in short supply. This has been attributed to some factors that serve as barriers to effective church-based climate action. In an extensive review, this article did not only identify these barriers but also the bridges or pathways out of these barriers/challenges. After a critical review of about 150 empirical studies with a few anecdotal literature, findings showed that beyond the theological barriers that are commonly referenced in many studies, the church also faces institutional barriers in their bid to address climate change. The biblical concept of stewardship, climate change awareness/knowledge creation, strategic communication and engagement, and strategic fundraising and mobilisation were found to be the bridges/pathways towards achieving a robust church-based climate action. Implications of findings for the church and research are discussed.

Celibate Gay Christians: Sexual Identity and Religious Beliefs and Practices

The purpose of the study is to explore the experiences of gay Christians who choose celibacy. Chief milestone events, beliefs and attitudes toward God and faith, as well as participants’ experiences of church climate toward gay Christians were assessed through a structured interview. Eight interviews were analyzed, using grounded theory methodology and consensual qualitative analysis to identify several salient themes.