The Greening Of Religious Institutions: Management Autonomy And Environmental Engagement In Practice

Abstract

The mounting ecological crisis has spurred religious institutions to re-examine their roles as moral and communal leaders in environmental stewardship. "Greening" religious institutions refers to the infusion of ecological consciousness into spiritual teachings, administrative frameworks, and every day practices of faith communities. This process reflects age-old doctrines of caring for creation, now repurposed to meet contemporary sustainability challenges. Despite the growing trend towards greening, not all religious bodies are equally equipped to translate environmental values into practical initiatives—much of this variation is rooted in the structure of governance autonomy. This article employs a comparative case study approach utilizing both hypothetical and documented examples to evaluate five religious institutions differing in governance autonomy, measured by decentralized decision-making, financial independence, and leadership control. Drawing on Resource Mobilization Theory, the study collects and analyses qualitative and quantitative data on the number, type, and impact of environmental initiatives (ranging from solar installations and waste recycling to eco-education and community gardens), as well as on congregational engagement rates. The study aims to investigate how governance autonomy affects the scale and effectiveness of environmental action within religious institutions, identify which sustainability measures thrive under varying governance models and to provide actionable recommendations for faith organizations seeking to enhance their ecological impact. The analysis also considers possible limitations, including the sample’s geographic and institutional diversity, and the influence of external factors such as cultural and economic environments. Findings reveal that institutions with greater governance autonomy implement a broader and more impactful range of sustainability initiatives, achieving significantly higher levels of member engagement. These results advocate for empowering internal governance structures and grassroots innovation to advance environmental stewardship in faith-based contexts.