The Possibilities of Climate Conscious Chaplaincy with Terry LePage and Alison Cornish

In this episode, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff examine the evolving role of chaplains in a climate-changed world. They are joined by author, chaplain, and grief circle facilitator Terry LePage, as well as Rev. Alison Cornish, coordinator of The BTS Center's Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative. Together, they explore how chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support amidst environmental crises, foster resilience, and address ecological grief.

Grounding: 

Rev. Alison Cornish begins with a grounding reflection centered on a personal story about a tree near her home that was cut down. Alison explains how this ritual of acknowledgment and grief mirrors chaplaincy practices of care, presence, and connection to the more-than-human world.

Main Conversation:

Ben and Nicole engage Terry LePage and Alison Cornish in a conversation about chaplaincy in a climate-changed world.

Terry LePage:

Terry shares insights from her book Eye of the Storm: Facing Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage. She introduces concepts such as the "Collapse-Aware" framework and "Islands of Compassion," which she attributes to Margaret Wheatley's "Islands of Sanity." Terry also highlights her work with the Deep Adaptation Forum, which fosters spaces for resilience and grief processing in the face of climate uncertainty.

Alison Cornish:

Alison outlines key skills chaplains bring to a climate-conscious world, including trauma-informed care, meaning-making, and support for communities navigating ecological grief and displacement. She underscores the importance of chaplains as spiritual guides during times of environmental upheaval.

Next Steps: 

Here are some ways listeners can engage further:

• Join a Grief Circle: Learn how to host or join a grief circle using tools from Terry’s book, Eye of the Storm.
• Explore Deep Adaptation: Visit the Deep Adaptation Forum for resources on resilience and climate-related challenges.
• Learn About Collapse Readiness: Read Professor Jem Bendell's reflections on societal collapse and recovery.
• Engage with The BTS Center: Explore the Lament with Earth Series for reflections on ecological grief and faith-based responses.

Additional Resources:

• Beyond Climate War: Writings on Deep Adaptation to Societal Collapse
• Margaret Wheatley: Islands of Sanity
• Lament with Earth series at The BTS Center 
• Professor Jim Bendell: Thoughts on Collapse Readiness and Recovery: I was wrong to conclude that collapse was inevitable. 
• Beyond Climate War: Writings on Deep Adaptation to societal collapse. 

Meet Guest(s): 

Guest bio with social media links + headshot

Terry LePage
Terry LePage is the author of Eye of the Storm: Facing Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage. She facilitates grief circles and teaches nonviolent communication practices through the Deep Adaptation Forum.

Rev. Alison Cornish
Rev. Alison Cornish is the coordinator of the Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative at the BTS Center. She is a seasoned faith leader with a background in environmental advocacy and interfaith work.