Faith in action: Loka Initiative brings faith leaders and scientists together

It is easy to see monumental differences between faith and science. The faithful are powered by belief. Scientists demand evidence. Dekila Chungyalpa sees similarities. Namely, she sees a planet that both share and want to protect. What if the two groups combined forces to protect the earth? Faith leaders had already begun the work in their own corner of the world over the past few decades. But what could be accomplished together if scientists — from the fields of environment, health and psychology — were to join them? That’s the goal of the Loka Initiative, a new interdisciplinary collaboration among UW–Madison programs that is housed in the Center for Healthy Minds and directed by Chungyalpa. Campus participants include the Center for Religion and Global Citizenry, Division of Continuing Studies, the Global Health Institute, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Religious Studies Program. Read more