Natural Saints

Mallory McDuff provides a narrative on the church's role with environmental issues that is rich with stories and contextual detail. This book is a must read for anyone interested in how churches are working to protect God's Creation. * Cassandra Carmichael, Director of Washington Office and Eco-Justice Programs, National Council of Churches *
In her stories about cob ovens, toxic tours, mountaintop removal, and eco-Shabbat prayer, Mallory McDuff gives voice to grassroots individuals and movements that address hard questions of race, poverty, hunger and economics in 21st century America. She challenges religious communities to be 'partners for justice' not mere 'givers of charity.' We should all take notice. * Bill J. Leonard, Professor of Church History, the Divinity School, Wake Forest University *
The action needed to protect the environment and provide a sustainable future will not happen without the moral voice that religion brings to the dialogue. McDuff brings those actions motivated by Christian values together with crucial environmental needs, demonstrating that merging the two will result in justice and reconciliation. This is an important book for understanding the role that religion will and must play in healing this wounded Creation. * The Reverend Sally G. Bingham, President, The Regeneration Project, Interfaith Power and Light Campaign *
This plain-spoken book is both unsettling and hope-inspiring, as it surveys works of destruction and of healing across our land. McDuff offers detailed yet clear analyses of what motivates individuals, congregations, and organizations, and what makes their ministries effective. The breadth of coverage here gives readers the opportunity to widen their concerns and perhaps to find their own calling to work for the healing of the earth and of local communities. * Ellen F. Davis, author of Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible *
Every now and then a book takes hold of you and you can't stop thinking about it. As you read it, slowly you realize that if you were to really do what the book advises, you could change your life. When you close the book, you realize you could change the planet . . . such a book is Natural Saints. . . McDuff's book, the result of visits to churches across the country, is proof that American churches are now actively combining environmental theology with traditional spirituality. * Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine *