Why do activists need a center for wisdom? 

From a long-time partner of Eden Vigil:
Brian Webb, of Houghton University, answers:

As the co-director alongside Lowell of the Christian Climate Observers Program, I’ve had a front row seat of how the creative juices at Eden Vigil Institute result in the launch of compelling programs that mobilize Christians to take effective action on the climate crisis. I can think of no one else who is a better partner in creating transformational experiences to help others grow and learn. Lowell is a master of meeting others where they are, listening to who God has made them to be, and then gently and wisely mentoring them to the next step of their personal, spiritual, and professional journey.

From a fellow practitioner:
Scott Sabin of Plant with Purpose answers:

As a long-time leader in the environmental and creation care movements, I am incredibly excited by the launch of the Eden Vigil Institute. This will be a much-valued resource for a number of communities, including our own. I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Lowell Bliss for many years, and have always appreciated his collaborative spirit and deep wisdom, as well as his ability to bring unique insight to any conversation. All five of the movements that Lowell identifies will be stronger for the work of the Institute and I am deeply thankful to WCIU for this initiative. I look forward to future partnership.

From a steering committee member:
Kevin Neuner of Via Media explains why he joined:

“Humanity is at a critical moment, an inflection point that will determine the kind of lives we experience. But because we do not live in a deterministic universe, we have the capability and responsibility to leverage the very best of our wisdom and insight to advance redemptive steps towards a verdant and flourishing world. This we must do, because we can.

What is needed to accomplish these goals, now more than ever, is a fully integrated synthesis of multiple disciplines; ethics, behavioral science (leadership), technology, theology, education, and more. I joined the steering committee of Eden Vigil because I value greatly the wholistic approach that Lowell Bliss and the Institute will bring to bear on the most important issue of our day, that of our ecological care and consciousness. Lowell has thought deeply about the integration of theology and environment for many years, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the task.

I believe that hope is the disciplined application of one’s beliefs. Eden Vigil believes deeply in the redemptive power of God’s love, and I am confident that it will apply that belief with tremendous discipline. As I have both an M.Div. and an M.B.A., I align greatly with Eden Vigil’s melding of environmental care and adaptive leadership, and see that strategy as the right direction for success.”

From an adaptive leadership expert:
Julia Faris McBride explains:

The Kansas Leadership Center welcomes the news of the launch of the Eden Vigil Institute and their desire to apply the principles and skill sets of adaptive leadership to the ecological crisis. KLC defines leadership as “mobilizing others to make progress on daunting adaptive challenges,”  and it is hard to imagine a challenge more daunting, and adaptive in nature, than climate change.  We have known Lowell Bliss since 2015.  He’s been a keen student, an effective trainer in his own right, and an insightful translator of our material into specific issues and local situations, including in faith-based and cross-cultural settings.

From a pioneer in Eco-Realism and steering committee founder:
John Elwood explains:

Christians who are alert to the climate crisis and ecosystem destruction are generally aware of the personal response that their faith demands. What is in shorter supply, however, is the curiosity and courage to confront the systemic factors—social, economic, cultural and theological—that often relegate them and their communities to the sidelines, and a willingness to critically engage with established systems as demanded by the times. Under the leadership of Christian-environmental thought leader Lowell Bliss, the Eden Vigil Institute is poised to fulfill this vital function, offering a forum for thinkers and activists willing to reimagine redemptive and just responses to a world facing unprecedented challenges. It is hard to imagine a more crucial mission for these times.

From an international climate justice activist:
Marinel Ubaldo, from the Philippines, currently a graduate student at Duke University, says:

I've known Lowell Bliss through the Christian and Climate Observers Program which he led along with other faith organizations. Lowell has been an instrument in making sure that the program participants get the best experience of the whole international climate negotiation. He also made sure that we maximized the platforms that were made accessible for us and helped us meet different people who were key to the climate negotiations. Lowell and his team fostered a safe environment for people in faith to be part of the climate  action and negotiation inside and outside COP premises. Our faith guides our actions and so Lowell made sure that every morning we did a devotion, sharing and processing the learnings we got during COP. Through my experience at CCOP and through Lowell's leadership, I was able to meet different actors in the climate movement and I was able to further enhance my climate activism including how faith plays a big part in protecting our communities and environments.