Episode 53 - Pilgrimage and the Environment

A major part of the power and magic of pilgrimage is how it immerses us in the natural world. While the physical shrines are human built, they're often situated in places of natural splendor. In that way, pilgrimage and the environment are inextricably connected. This episode is a deep dive into that relationship from a few different perspectives. Up first, you'll hear from Yeb Saño, a leading environmental activist in Southeast Asia who has now led multiple climate pilgrimages in the Philippines and Europe. Then, two professors--Kiran Shinde and Daniel Olson--join me to discuss their research on the relationship between religious tourism and the environment. Finally, Reverend Canon Caroline Pinchbeck, from the York Diocese in England shares her perspective from her work with the European Green Pilgrimage Network, a faith-based network of pilgrimage sites.