Earth Chaplaincy

Creating a network of chaplains

who practice natural spirituality

". . .the Valley, comprehensively seen, looks like an immense hall or temple lighted from above.  But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite." 

~John Muir, The Yosemite (1912)

"It is probably true that the mass of humankind are not yet prepared for a religion based upon natural knowledge alone.  But the time is surely coming. . . ."

~John Burroughs, The Light of Day (1904)

The Mission of an Earth Chaplain

To celebrate the sanctuary of the Earth, the natural temple and chapel where we live, in partnership with Nature, promoting both reflection and action through inclusive communities who look to Nature as the primary teacher of wisdom.

Responsibilities of an Earth Chaplain

To work in ways to protect, preserve, conserve and serve Nature as Home.

To develop and offer creative rituals centered in Nature.

To provide leadership of "chapel" ceremonies based in the natural world.

To cooperate in the preservation of lands as refuge and sanctuary.

Guidelines for an Earth Chaplain

*Practice a daily personal spiritual experience with Nature with a poet's heart, a philosopher's mind and a scientist's curiosity.

*Recognize Nature as the primary teacher.

*Practice natural spirituality as a way of life.

*Have a commitment to work for ecological justice and environmental preservation.

*Hold an open, inclusive vision of the balance and essential unity of Spirit and Nature.

*Assume a responsibility for designing, creating, leading or facilitating new ceremonies and events in the role of chaplain.

*Seek to set aside land as sacred sanctuary.

*Be centered in a natural ethic of lovingkindness and ahimsa (non-harming)

Growing a Radical Chaplaincy

I wonder how many people might be sensing the roots--the radical nature--of this kind of chaplaincy; how many are hearing a new vocational call to serve as an Earth Chaplain.  How many of us are serious about working with others who are committed to a practice of natural spirituality?  Are people ready to begin designing and implementing new sacred ceremonies with Nature as the primary source and teacher?  Are people interested in forming a "prophetic non-profit" organization of Earth Chaplains?  Is this the time, the season, for a radical idea to be planted and nurtured?   Are we ready to begin the adventure, the journey, the pilgrimage of a revolutionary new style of ministry that weaves together all spiritual paths while creating new ones?  I welcome any and all comments and additional questions on this pioneering trail, in this forest of wonder.

Chaplain Chris Highland

"We are housed in our opinions, and we resist being turned out of doors and having another and a different roof built over our heads."

~John Burroughs, The Light of Day

Read More

*What People Around the World

  are Saying about Earth Chaplaincy

*Introductory Essay on Earth Chaplaincy

*First Lessons in Earth Chaplaincy

*Circles of Celebration

*Music of Nature

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