Heat Safety Resources
Check out infographics and other resources for protecting health in extreme heat.
As extreme heat threatens public health, especially in rural and under-resourced communities, faith communities are being called into new forms of ministry. This suite of resources was developed through the Cooling Communities project by Duke Divinity School students in conversation with faith leaders across the Carolinas.
Rooted in real ministry contexts, these tools are designed to meet congregations wherever they are—whether already engaged in local resilience efforts or just beginning to explore their role. They support learning, worship, discernment, and action as communities consider how to live out their faith in a warming world.
Faith Communities as Centers for Climate Resilience: A Theological and Practical Framework
Explains the theological basis for churches’ involvement in strengthening climate resilience and highlights their practical advantages and potential roles.
Getting to Know Your Church
A discernment tool to help pastors better understand their congregations as churches start thinking about how to respond to phenomena like extreme heat.
An Ecological Bible Study of Psalm 104
An in-depth reading of Psalm 104 from an ecological and creation care perspective—intended to guide congregations in studying the passage over two to four weeks.
Book Study—Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis
A discussion guide to help congregations engage with ideas in Duke Divinity School professor Norman Wirzba’s book Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis (Yale University Press, 2024) over the course of six weeks.
Liturgies for Addressing Heat Justice
Adaptable tools for integrating climate awareness into the worship life of the church, including prayers, a communion liturgy, and a call to worship.
Conversations with Faith Leaders: Exploring Faith-Based Perspectives on Heat Resilience in North and South Carolina
Outlines how the Cooling Communities project engaged with faith leaders, key findings about faith communities and resilience, and implications for policy and practice.