Spiritual Leadership in a Climate Changed World
In this special interim episode, guest host Jessica David sits down with Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director of The BTS Center, and Debra Coyman, Chair of The BTS Center's Board of Trustees, to explore what spiritual leadership means in a climate-changed world. Together they unpack critical questions around faith, community action, and ecological responsibility.
Main Conversation and Themes:
In this rich and thoughtful first episode of our “BTS at The BTS Center” series, Allen and Debra reflect on what spiritual leadership means amid today's ecological crises. What roles can spiritual communities play in these times of increasing chaos? And how do we understand the world differently when we commit to living in right relationship with each other, with God, with our more-than-human kin, and with the Earth?
Allen and Debra also discuss their personal climate awakenings and how climate change intersects deeply with spiritual and ethical responsibility. They delve into ecological responsibility and what it means in a largely growth-driven world, and they wrestle with the role of privilege and responsibility in the ways in which climate impacts are experienced.
As part of the conversation, Allen outlines foundational principles central to The BTS Center's programs and initiatives:
- Kinship: Embracing our interconnectedness with all creation
- Imagination: Fostering collective visioning of better futures
- Ecological Grief: Addressing climate anxiety and grief collectively
- Refugia: Creating spaces of renewal amidst environmental devastation
- The Common Good: Advocating for collective flourishing
Join us for this insightful conversation between our Executive Director and our Board Chair!
Additional Resources:
- Lament with Earth – A seasonal worship series exploring ecological grief through music, reflection, and community.
- The BTS Center – Explore further offerings and programs focused on spiritual leadership in a climate-changed world.
- Moral Movement Maine – A statewide network advocating for social justice through multifaith collaboration.
Join the Conversation:
What do you think is the most important contribution spiritual leaders can make in responding to climate change?
Share your reflections via email at podcast@thebtscenter.org or leave a voicemail at 207-200-6986.
Climate Changed Podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine. Produced by Peterson Toscano. Visit climatechangedpodcast.org for more details.
Meet Our Guest Host:
Jessica David is a Master of Divinity candidate at Harvard Divinity School, founder of Local Return, and President & CEO of Rhode Island Community Investment Cooperative. With 20 years of experience working at the intersection of people and place, Jessica focuses on the intersection of spirituality and money, supporting community wealth-building and strategic organizational development.
Meet Our Guests:
Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill serves as Executive Director of The BTS Center. Ordained in the United Methodist tradition, Allen previously co-pastored HopeGateWay in Portland, Maine, and founded Moral Movement Maine. He has a longstanding commitment to social justice advocacy, faith-based organizing, and progressive Christianity, with extensive experience addressing issues such as climate justice and immigrant solidarity.
Debra Coyman has served on The BTS Center Board since 2017, including roles as Treasurer and Vice Chair. With an extensive background in business strategy and human resources leadership at IDEXX Laboratories, Debra brings significant nonprofit governance experience. She actively volunteers for conservation and animal welfare organizations, serves on multiple boards, and passionately engages in outdoor recreational activities.
