Ecological and religious studies deal with understanding the ethics of ecology, religions, nature and its issues. It is an important branch of Uzhhorod National University to teach students regarding environment and its need. The development of the institute took place in twelve years from 2001 to 2012 by Council of European Bishops Conferences. The main goal of this branch is to study the ecological vocation issues of Christians, Roman Catholics and Greek Catholics. During the formation of the institute of ecological and religious studies, a large number of conferences took place for the formation of commissions on ecology for the churches of Ukraine. Best experts were set out for the foundation of environmental library. Most of the volunteers of conference have contributed for the development of environmental commission for the churches of Ukraine. The Consequences of the conference has led to the formation of the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies at Uzhhorod National University which is completely under the guidance of RENOVABIS.The main goal of the institute is to have the efficient use of financial, technical, material, human resources as well as intellectual ability of the University for enhancing the training quality of environmental education issues in Ukraine as well as in entire Soviet Union. The institute involves the studies of religion tradition, various environmental issues, relationship among education, religion, tradition, cultures and environmental education. It also includes study of the impact, forms and methods of training and education on ecological consciousness, human personality interaction with environment and spiritual relations.
Major Activities
The major activities of the institute include the following:-
Researching values and influence of religions in addressing global environmental challenges of the 21st century.
The study of inter-religious dialogue in issues of the environment conversation.
Training that includes highly qualified field of ecological theology.
Identification of ways and opportunities for environmental education, training and education in the various social institutions like kindergartens, schools, universities, church, and community associations.
Identification in the sacred religious texts of various religious traditions ideas of conservation and environmental protection.
Development of priority research directions on the verge of ecology and religion.
Preparation and publication of joint research papers, articles, monographs, textbooks, manuals, specialized prayer books, programs of academic disciplines.
Distribution, research, use and distribution in training the ekotheological ideas of Christian and other religious thinkers.
Implementation of the practical results of joint scientific and educational projects in public practice and teaching.
Conducting the scientific conferences, symposia, seminars, schools and other academic forums on the subject of Institute.
Major Achievements
One of the main achievements of the team of Institute is the coordination and support of the Commission of the Ecology and Migrants of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine and Environmental Commissions of Mukachevo Greek Catholic diocese. We pay special thanks to our Committee on Ecology of Mukachevo Orthodox diocese. Our specialists provide professional advices which are concerned on the establishment of environmental departments of the Muslims Spiritual Administration of Ukraine.Commence of Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies in Uzhhorod National University is the results of the requirements of time, according to Institute of World Studies (a.k.a. 'World watch Institute') the change in the international community policy towards sustainable development can be successful only if the religion reconsider their role and responsibility in their aspirations and requirements.For the sustainable development of religious institutions the Gardner has created 5 core values:-
Ability to build a community.
A huge circle of supporters.
Moral authority.
Significant financial resources.
Ability to formulate new cosmology
According to Professor Markus Vogt following are the point of views in terms of the Catholic and Secular values:-
Believing in Creation of morality which assist who wish to create and deliver the concept of moral values and perceived environmental responsibility as an integral part of the self-esteemed man. It should not only include morality, but also the new cosmology.
The Christian Church is the ancient global player on the planet which manages the special obligation and opportunity to fight for a globalization of solidarity.
Christian anthropology does not measure the value of a person by his consumed or produced products. Hence, it can direct people to a fair, responsible and modest handling of these products.
The main activities of Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies involves the countries of East Europe, since after the collapse of Soviet Union there is a subtle enhancements in the number of believers of Church is marked. In West Europe the Church is gradually losing its faith, where as in the Eastern Europe the faith in religiosity has grown and today the society of East Europe has highest level of faith in Church. The church has significantly recovered from its legacy of the totalitarian regime and most importantly it revived and developed the ecological theology school.
The hallmark of the Christian point of view in environmental issues is its roots in the cultural and social contexts. Environmental protection and the human protection make the unity in Christian ethics.
Professor Markus Vogt together with his team has an important contribution to the formation of the institute of Ecological and Religious studies at Uzhhorord National University. He provided the practical help in progress of commissions on the ecology in churches of Ukraine.
