Mission

We address socio-ecolgical issues from a faith perspective. The work of the Ecology Project is rooted in:

• Our responsibility and just care of Earth
• Our Christian faith
• Our Ignatian Jesuit tradition of "finding God in all things"

Objectives

• To raise awareness of the ecological crisis facing humanity
• To promote a vision of society committed to the health and well-being of the Earth
• To provide opportunities for individuals to experience God in Creation
• To affirm a hope-filled advocacy rooted in the biblical call to justice
• To foster a community characterized by mutual co-operation and celebration, committed to the poor and suffering of Earth

The Ecology Project, which is rooted in the experience of the land at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph, will work to fulfill its mandate through three avenues of integration — collaboration, education and immersion.

Integration

Bridging barriers of understanding through collaboration

Collaboration with religious and environmental groups is key to accomplishing our aims. Although each may uphold a different perspective, we share the same goals. A cooperative exchange of knowledge and resources would serve to convey a unified message of hope-filled action.

The ideological change is mainly that of respecting life.

The Ecology Project combines extensive experience and excellence in environmental education and conservation with a spiritually centered approach to ecological issues.

• Consultancy, research and lecturing on environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, biotechnology, farm and forest ecology
• Retreats, presentations and workshops on the relationship between ecology, theology and spirituality
• Involving and educating high-school students through retreats, field trips, training and workshops

Education alone is not enough.

The key to substantive change is in re-connecting individuals with the mystery of Creation — with God. When we can sense God’s presence in our life, our perspective on the Earth profoundly changes.

We are committed to nurturing an experiential knowledge of Earth, advocating healthy relationships and spiritual connections, promoting an experience of God in Creation, and inspiring hope-filled action. We offer programs that are ecologically and/or spiritually based to all groups of people, in order to cultivate an urgently needed "ecological conversion." We specialize in restorative agriculture and forestry practices that promote the protection of ecosystems, healthy soil and the organic production of food. We complement our practical application of these practices at Ignatius Farm with up-to-date research on climate change, biodiversity and forestry issues.

Our education in ecology focuses on various issues, including agroecology, forest ecology, climate change, water, urban encroachment and eco-spirituality. The Ecology Project provides a much needed rural-urban connection, helps to educate people on land use issues and strives to build strong relationships with individuals, educational organizations, non-governmental organizations and community groups. The Ecology Project's long-term vision is to integrate ecology and spirituality into all aspects of our work at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph.

Fundamental to our desire for ecological conversion, the Ecology Project will immerse individuals and groups in intensive eight-day ecology retreats. In co-operation with the internationally acclaimed Loyola House Retreat Centre, our Mysticism of Earth retreat allows participants to benefit from the abundance and diversity of life at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre.