by Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, Mennonite Church USA Climate Justice coordinator
Children, youth and young adults are among the most vulnerable members of our Earth community in the face of climate instability. As people of faith, we are called to care for our young neighbors. Simply listening to their anxieties and dreams is a powerful step in caring. But sometimes it’s hard to know how to open a conversation.
Sandy Plett, Mennonite Church Canada’s Climate Action coordinator, and some friends from Mennonite Church Canada provide encouragement and tips for adults to talk about climate concerns with young people:
- Talking Climate with Kids and Youth – A 12-minute video that’s great for parents, youth leaders, pastors, and anyone who cares about young people!
- Together in Hope – A list of resources for adults, youth and children, including books for study, picture books, song books, games and more.
Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler serves as the Climate Justice coordinator for Mennonite Church USA. She works to strengthen MC USA’s climate justice initiatives, resourcing churches and conferences as well as educating the denomination. She holds a Master of Divinity degree in theological studies with an emphasis in ecological theology and ethics from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. She served 12 years as pastor of Christian Formation at First Mennonite Church, Iowa City, Iowa. Prior to joining MC USA, Stoltzfus Detweiler served as executive director for Hungry World Farm in Tiskilwa, Illinois, a non-profit organization that focuses on educating, inspiring and connecting people around ideas of food, agriculture and caring for the earth. Stoltzfus Detweiler currently attends Washington Mennonite Church, Washington, Iowa, in Central Plains Mennonite Conference.
