Conversation Circles

Being Chaplains in a Climate-Changed World

The multi-faceted work of spiritual care is increasingly buffeted by the effects of climate change. In response, The BTS Center, in collaboration with the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, is pleased to offer a fourth year of Conversation Circles to support your practice of spiritual care in a climate-changed world.

Being Chaplains in a Climate-Changed World

February – July 2026
12 sessions over 6 months

Participants' Page

These Circles are generative and sacred spaces. Participants offer support for personal and professional well-being, community-building, and skill development. In past years, participants have come from diverse sectors and locations to explore the dynamic work of climate-conscious chaplaincy.

  • 90-minute sessions
  • 12 sessions over the course of 6 months
  • Sessions take place online via Zoom

We invite chaplains, healers, and spiritual care providers of all levels of experience – including those who are aspiring. We particularly welcome spiritual caregivers serving in settings where the effects of a climate-changed world are already being experienced, or where climate change is one of many barriers to well-being.

This year, you can choose from two sets of meeting times.

Applications for the 2026 Conversation Circles: Being Chaplains in a Climate-Changed World are now closed. To learn when registration opens for the next cohort, fill out this interest form:

Contact Information






Facilitators: Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner & Rev. Alison Cornish

Tuesdays 11:00am – 12:30pm ET

  • February 3
  • February 17
  • March 3
  • March 17
  • March 31
  • April 14
  • April 28
  • May 12
  • May 26
  • June 9
  • June 23
  • July 7

Facilitators: Rev. Stephen Blackmer & Gabrielle Gelderman

Wednesdays at 7:00 – 8:30pm ET

  • February 4
  • February 18
  • March 4
  • March 18
  • April 1
  • April 15
  • April 29
  • May 13
  • May 27
  • June 10
  • June 24
  • July 8

Testimonials

I‘d love to do it again with a whole other group!

5
Previous Participant

The experience was spiritually enriching, thought-provoking, and fostered a strong sense of global community among chaplains engaging with climate-related challenges. It’s a valuable space for learning, reflection, and mutual encouragement in a rapidly changing world.

5
Murhula Christian
Previous Participant

I’m going to be thinking and learning about my cohort for a long time.

5
Previous Participant

After participating in the Conversation Circle, my understanding of the intersection of Earth, climate, and chaplaincy has deepened and expanded. I now more fully see chaplaincy not only as spiritual care but as active stewardship and advocacy for creation. The circle helped me integrate ecological justice into my ministry, recognizing that caring for the Earth is inseparable from caring for people’s well-being and spiritual health. This experience has strengthened my conviction that chaplains must engage holistically with climate issues as part of their pastoral calling.  

5
Murhula Christian
Previous Participant

Meet Our Facilitators

Rev. Alison Cornish
Chaplaincy Initiative Coordinator
Stephen Blackmer
Gabrielle Gelderman
Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner

Meet Our Partner

The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab (CIL), based at Brandeis University, launched in October 2018 to bring chaplains, theological educators, clinical educators and social scientists into conversation about the work of chaplaincy and spiritual care. As religious and spiritual life continues to change, the CIL sparks practical innovations that enable chaplains to nurture the spirits of those they serve and reduce human suffering.