Tuesday, July 28, 2009

ELCA 'Ethics of Eating' Event

We are excited to be hosting The ELCA World Hunger 'Ethics of Eating' Region 4 Leadership Training October 22–October 25, 2009. You can apply on their website.

The event will gather about 20 congregational and campus leaders of the ELCA from Region 4–which includes the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. At this event, we will think about ways to respond to the justice and lifestyle issues that arise from the interconnections between what we eat and the food distribution system in this country.

These issues will be explored from this theological perspective: how should we eat such that it is just, and healthy for ourselves and the environment? We will ask this question with respect to urban, organic and conventional farming, and their relation to hunger, worker rights, and the environment. We will then brainstorm about how what we learn should inform the work of the church, particularly with respect to organizing, fundraising, education and the lifestyle of members of the church. Afterwards, each participant is expected to host an event of their choice in their local area.

Here are questions that are guiding our plans for this event:

1. What are a few theological frames for thinking about eating in a way that is just and healthy for ourselves and the environment?
2. How is food distributed in this country? What is the role of urban, organic, and conventional farming in this system?
3. What are some local and regional issues for farmers and farm workers?
4. How do these different ways of distributing food locally, nationally, and globally impact: a) hunger in urban and rural areas, b) the environment and climate change; and c) worker justice?
5. How should we eat such that it is just and healthy for ourselves and the environment?
6. What are facets of individual, synod, and congregational advocacy for policies that would enable everyone to eat this way?

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