40 people participated in one or more parts of the A Rocha event in Ottawa on Saturday January 28. In the afternoon some cross-country skied (including some who skied for the first time!), some snowshoed, some hiked on the winter hiking trails, and some skated on Kingsmere Lake. Recent snowfalls provided for excellent conditions for skiing and snowshoeing.

Following a potluck supper, Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger, professor of Religion and Director of the Environmental Studies program at Hope College in Holland, MI gave a presentation titled “What Kind of Person Would do That? A Christian Ecological Virtue Ethic.”

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He began by explaining the difference between ethical theories: deontology (what are my duties?) and teleology (what are the consequences) which both relate to doing and conduct in comparison to areteology (what kind of person should I be) which relates to being and character. He then documented the biblical background, theological motif, ethical principle and vices related to 14 different ecological virtues (respect, receptivity, self-restraint, frugality, humility, honesty, wisdom, hope, patience, serenity, benevolence, love, justice, courage). Finally he illustrated these ecological virtues through a case study of an Adirondack-based course that he teaches during the May term. The evening included with engaging discussion.

We were very excited that several people at the event signed up to help out with adopting a trail in Gatineau Park. Thus we will be applying to adopt a trail beginning this spring.

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Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday, March 18: Winter Activities, Potluck Supper and “Making Peace with Creation” film.
  • Saturday May 20 : Wildflower Walk, Potluck Supper and an evening with Markku and Leah Kostamo (Co-founders of A Rocha Canada). Leah will also be participating in a dialogue with Margaret Atwood on the topic of The Future of Religion in Canada on Friday evening May 19 at the University of Ottawa.