About Us

The Faith and Ecological Justice Program was founded in 2018 by Dr. Rebecca Copeland, with support from Dean Emerita Mary Elizabeth Moore, Dr. Wanda Stahl, and others within and outside of the School of Theology community, including alumni and friends of ThECOlogy, the ecologically-focused student group at BUSTH. The first class of graduates from the program completed their certificates in Spring 2020, and as of Spring 2021, six students completed the requirements and were awarded a Certificate in Faith and Ecological Justice.

Current Staff

Founder ~ Dr. Rebecca Copeland

Dr. Copeland, Assistant Professor of Theology, works in Christian theology, ethics, and biblical studies, focusing on the intersection of religion and ecology. She teaches many of the course required to complete the certificate, including the Faith & Ecological Justice series as well as Environmental Justice and Watershed Discipleship.

Learn more about Program Founder Dr. Rebecca Copeland.

Teaching Fellow ~ Eunyoung Choi

Eunyoung Choi is a PhD student in Theology, Ethics, and Philosophy at Boston University School of Theology, concentrating in Theological Ethics. Her research interests encompass eco-theology, ecological and environmental justice, post/decolonial theology, sustainable consumption, and the urban environment. Her recent research focuses on the significance of excrement as a site for contemplating sustainable consumption and explores interdisciplinary approaches to address the issues of emission, disposal, and waste.

Former Staff

Former Graduate Assistant ~ Emily Litterer

Emily worked as the FEJ GA from Sept. 2023 – May 2025. She graduated Boston University’s School of Theology (BUTSTH) with her Masters in Divinity. Before returning to academia Emily worked as the employment specialist at L’arche Tahoma Hope where she supported people with intellectual disabilities to sustain meaningful work. Upon completion of her MDiv, Emily move to Pennsylvania for a residency in hospital chaplaincy.

Former Graduate Assistant ~ Sarah Champlin

Sarah worked as a GA from Sept 2021 – May 2023. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH), where she earned her Master of Divinity in 2023. She is actively pursuing ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. Sarah currently serves as the Minister of Youth, Young Adults, and Mission at Kenilworth Union Church in Illinois, where she continues to integrate eco-theology into her ministry.

Former Graduate Assistant ~ Megan Berkowitz

Megan (M.Div., M.S.W. 2021) was the first Graduate Assistant for the Faith and Ecological Justice certificate program, and earned the certificate in 2021. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ serving in full-time parish ministry in Massachusetts. Megan uses much of what she learned in the program in her daily practice of ministry, including leading a Lenten group on practicing place based on Dr. Copeland’s Watershed Discipleship course, and offering an 8-week sermon series on Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects. Her educational background in evolutionary biology and scientific research, work as a technical writer, and passions for backpacking and gardening all influenced her leadership in the FEJ program and her current work in ministry.