JRI - The John Ray Initiative connecting Environment, Science and Christianity
www.jri.org.uk
Aims
The John Ray Initiative (JRI) is an educational charity, based in the UK. It was formed in 1997 in recognition of the urgent need to respond to the global environmental crisis and the challenges of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Vision Statement: “To bring together scientific, technological and Christian understanding of the environment in a way that can be widely communicated and lead to effective action.”Mission Statement:“ To promote responsible environmental stewardship in accordance with Christian principles through Education, Research and Advocacy.”
Inspiration for JRI is taken from John Ray (1627-1705), English naturalist, Christian theologian and first biological systematist of modern times, preceding Carl Linnaeus.
Objectives Statement
• To influence and support Christians, scientists, engineers and policy-makers in working toward a more sustainable relationship between humankind and the environment.
• To think globally and promote a positive interaction between development and environmental issues.
• To give priority to biblically-based environmental education, especially among Christian believers.
• To encourage serious research initiatives aimed at establishing a biblical theology that provides a strong foundation for Christian involvement in caring for God’s creation.
• To continue to build a learning community of Christians with relevant expertise in science, technology, environment and theology.
Board of Directors
John Houghton (President); Vice- Presidents: R J (Sam) Berry, John Sale, Robert White; John Weaver (Chairman); Shan Dobinson (Executive Secretary); Paul Houghton (Company Secretary), Hilary Marlow, Andrew Wright.
The John Ray Initiative,
University of Gloucestershire, QW212, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK
Tel: 012 4254 3580
E-mail: david@jri.org.uk
Services and Resources
The "Resources" section offers articles and in-depth documentation available online for free. Among the materials available for consultation are the Briefings (currently 35 numbers), information and descriptive attachments each dedicated to a specific topic. The section also contains several articles and in-depth analyses produced by 5 study and discussion groups (Bible Study & Group Resources); the focus of these studies is to mobilise congregations and churches in living out the mission of God and to see individual lives, communities, and the environment flourish. A newsletters' archive is available .
The "Events" section includes information about the Annual Conferences.
The Centre also promotes a two years certificated Course (CRES) that provides an opportunity to study rural and environmental issues from a Christian viewpoint.
The site promotes an active and updated Blog on topics of current interest.
Religious Confession
Christian confession.
Content quality review
4/5
Usability
4/5