In this conversation, Christine Sine and Victoria Loorz explore the intersection of faith and ecology, discussing Victoria’s journey from a corporate career to becoming a leader in the Wild Church movement. They delve into the importance of connecting spirituality with nature, the emergence of the Wild Church Network, and the significance of sacred conversations with the natural world. Victoria shares insights from her work with the Seminary of the Wild, emphasizing the need for intentional practices to foster a deeper relationship with the earth and each other. This conversation explores the deep connections between nature, spirituality, and community and addresses the importance of rewilding both the land and the soul. Victoria and Christine emphasize the need for storytelling in fostering a deeper relationship with the natural world. The dialogue highlights the interconnectedness of health, biodiversity, and spirituality, advocating for a holistic approach to living in harmony with nature. The concept of a ‘wild God’ is introduced as a call to action for individuals to engage more fully in the miraculous dance of life, ultimately leading to a rewilding of the church and spiritual practices.
Takeaways
- Victoria Loorz emphasizes the importance of connecting faith with nature and the spiritual implications of climate change.
- The Wild Church Network was founded to create a space for worship in nature, recognizing the earth’s inherent holiness.
- Sacred conversations with nature are deeply important.
- The Field Guide to Church of the Wild serves as a resource for those looking to start their own gatherings in nature.
- The practice of wandering in nature allows individuals to connect with the divine and their surroundings.
- Community and shared experiences are crucial for understanding spirituality.
- The Seminary of the Wild focuses on deepening relationships with the natural world and fostering conversations with it.
- Victoria discusses the concept of sacred reciprocity and how it relates to our connection with nature.
- Intentional practices are necessary to reconnect with the earth and each other.
- Storytelling and community engagement are crucial for successful rewilding efforts.
- Rewilding involves restoring both land and spiritual practices.
- A healthy ecosystem reflects the importance of diversity.
- The concept of a ‘wild God’ encourages deeper participation in life.
- Unlearning disconnection is a vital part of spiritual development.
Victoria Loorz, MDiv, is a wild church pastor, an eco-spiritual director and co-founder of several transformation-focused organizations focused on the integration of nature and spirituality. After twenty years as a pastor of indoor churches, she launched the first Church of the Wild, in Ojai CA and began to meet others with the same sense of call to leave building and expand the Beloved Community beyond our own species. She then co-founded the ecumenical Wild Church Network.
Victoria is co-founder and director of Seminary of the Wild, which is focused on a deep-dive yearlong Eco-Ministry Certificate program for all those who feel called by Earth and Spirit to “restore the great conversation.” (Thomas Berry) She has two books about Wild Church – Church of the Wild and Field Guide to Church of the Wild.
Victoria Loorz can be found on her website: https://www.victorialoorz.com