Harvey, Irma, Ferguson, Las Vegas, Napa Valley… whether communities suffer from hurricanes, floods or wildfires, police violence, civil uprisings or mass shootings, religious practitioners and communities can play important roles as acute responders and long-term caregivers in times of communal crisis. Entrenched systems of oppression and power impact not only who is harmed and how severely, they also impact whose lives, visions and values are centered and respected during recovery. In addition to offering spiritual first aid, faith communities can support grass roots leadership and more equitable, resilient and sustainable reconstruction.
This course meets for two weekend intensives: Feb 2,3,4 will focus on the life cycle of a disaster and critical incident stress management; April 6,7,8 will address the role of climate disruption in disaster, recovery and relocation, including a field trip to Lake & Sonoma Counties. Monthly on-line (asynchronous) class sessions will be held during the weeks of Feb. 12, March 12 and April 16. Preparation for Feb 2,3,4 will include reading sections of Disaster Spiritual Care: Practical Clergy Responses to Community, Regional and National Tragedy (2nd edition) and watching a documentary about Ferguson: “Whose Streets?”
Evaluation method- reflection papers, role play scenarios. Intended Audience – MDiv, MA/MTS, DMin, PhD/ThD, Some community auditors with faculty permission.
