Hendricks Chapel to host ‘Pray in for the Planet’ on April 22 to raise awareness of climate change

Hendricks Chapel to host ‘Pray in for the Planet’ on April 22 to raise awareness of climate changeApril 13, 2009Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

A “Pray In for the Planet” will be held at Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel on Wednesday, April 22, Earth Day, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

This interfaith event is intended to raise awareness of climate change and encourage mindful/prayerful reflection on the relationship of global warming, faith practices and environmental stewardship. Sponsored by Hendricks Chapel and the Religion, Science and Humanities Forum (RSHF), “Pray In For the Planet” is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in the Irving Garage for $1.75. Those attending are welcome to come and go any time during the hour.

The event is an opportunity for students and other members of the Syracuse community to engage in silent vigil, meditation or prayer in a setting of contemplative music, silence and short interfaith readings. Kelly Sprinkle, interim dean of Hendricks Chapel, will offer a message of welcome.

Interfaith readings will include St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Earth, the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address, the Buddhist meditation on Loving Kindness, and verses from the Holy Quran. A handout with related sacred texts and writings and scientific facts on global warming and climate change will be distributed.

The Religion, Science and Humanities Forum, affiliated with the Humanities Center at SU, brings together scholars and interested members of the community to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, study and collaboration related to theology, the natural and social sciences, and the humanities. The primary interest of the group is to consider the intersection of religion and science as it impacts the environment, health, behavior and society.

For more information, contact Hendricks Chapel at 443-2901.