CST Students and Faculty Shine at International Forum on Ecological Civilization
Claremont School of Theology (CST) played a leading role in the 18th International Forum on Ecological Civilization, held June 5–7 at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Titled “Is It Too Late?: Toward an Ecological Civilization,” the hybrid conference brought together over 100 scholars and practitioners from more than a dozen countries to explore urgent pathways toward a sustainable, just, and equitable future.
The event was organized by the Center for Process Studies and the Institute for Postmodern Development of China, with CST Associate Professor Wm. Andrew Schwartz serving as a lead organizer and guiding voice throughout the three-day gathering.
CST Students at the Forefront
Four CST doctoral students presented original research that bridged theology, philosophy, and global justice:
- Heeyoung Jung explored “Braiding Wisdom,” weaving together ancestral spirituality, ecological consciousness, and relational justice.
- Kumrila Mongzar shared insights on “Mind Beyond the Human,” engaging Indigenous cosmologies to reconceive cognition in a more-than-human world.
- Thomas Reinehr posed the provocative question, “Can Artificial Intelligence Terminate the Ecological Crisis?” examining emerging technologies through a process philosophical lens.
- JungEun Park presented “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights for the Real Climate Change,” comparing Bolivian and UN frameworks with an ecofeminist and process-relational perspective.
“These students exemplified CST’s commitment to deep thinking grounded in compassion, justice, and belonging,” said Dr. Schwartz. “Their contributions were among the highlights of the conference. I’m very proud of them.”
Honoring Cobb’s Legacy and Inspiring New Action
The forum marked the centenary of CST emeritus professor and pioneering ecological theologian John B. Cobb, Jr., whose 1971 book Is It Too Late? helped spark the ecological theology movement. It also commemorated the tenth anniversary of CPS’s landmark 2015 “Seizing an Alternative” conference. In honor of his lifelong work in environmental education, David W. Orr received this year’s John Cobb Common Good Award.
A Global Moment
The forum garnered international media attention—including coverage on China’s national CCTV news—and featured more than 20 scholars from leading Chinese universities and research institutes. U.S.–China relations and the urgent need for international cooperation emerged as recurring themes.
In a reflection of Cobb’s own vision, the conference embraced the conviction shared by the late Pope Francis: that the ecological and social crises are not separate, but one interwoven challenge. As Pope Francis insisted, “We need an integrated approach to combating poverty,” one that “protects nature” while “restoring dignity to the excluded.” This vision of integral justice is central to CST’s identity and ongoing mission.
Read how the event was covered in international outlets below:
https://english.news.cn/20250607/4408873155374787b64a3ef57e3cffc6/c.html
https://english.news.cn/20250606/2d12524536be446b96cf3a21b5317f03/c.html
https://unb.com.bd/category/World/china-leads-global-push-for-ecological-civilization-experts/161457
https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278262729/us-claremont-forum-on-ecological-civilization
http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2025-06/07/content_117915853.shtml
