Finding the intersections of environmentalism, faith, and justice at Drew Theological School
January 2025 – When Albarka Abbo Wakili T’26 was researching seminaries, he sought a school that embodied holistic education—one that engaged deeply with the true essence of humanity, justice, and spiritual formation. “Drew Theological School stood out not only for its commitment to cultivating compassionate leaders, but also for its legacy of innovation and inclusivity,” he said.
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As a second year Master of Divinity student, Wakili has found what he was seeking at Drew Theological School, and much more. He has discovered the intersection of the environment, faith, and justice. And it has changed his life and trajectory.
Today, Wakili is one of the garden stewards for the Theo Community Garden, co-chair of the student environmental group TERRA, and a member of the 2025 GreenFaith Rising Leader Fellowship.
“I have learned the power of collaboration through Drew,” he said. “Whether in the classroom, the garden, or the larger community, I have witnessed how collective efforts can bring about meaningful change. These lessons have inspired me to see justice as a shared commitment rooted in love.”
“I am deeply grateful for the ways Drew has shaped my ministry and my vision for the future,” said Wakili. “Let us continue to seek justice not only in the ways we speak but in the ways we live—together. For it is in our shared commitment to care for one another and for creation that we most fully reflect the image of God.”
Read on to learn more about Wakili’s inspiring story.
Why Drew Theological School?
I began my search when I completed my term of service as a Global Mission Fellow (GMF) with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. I was drawn to Drew’s integration of theological education with real-world challenges, fostering a dynamic environment where my faith could match action. The testimonials of former GMFs who had studied at Drew were also significant; their stories of personal growth and theological depth resonated with my aspirations. Also, Drew’s identity as the “University in The Forest” prompted my curiosity of wanting to be in a sacred space for spiritual reflection and renewal. Here, I saw an opportunity to deepen my understanding of ministry, justice, and what it truly means to serve as a leader in the church and the world.
What shaped your passion for climate justice?
My passion was immensely shaped here at Drew. Before arriving, I understood the importance of environmental advocacy mostly in theory, but it wasn’t something I actively embraced. I always admired the beautiful natural landscape of my hometown in Jalingo, Nigeria, participated in cultivating the land for food and sometimes wondered why the rains delayed or some parts experienced deforestation. It was during Professor of Ecology, Religion and Society Laurel Kearns’ Global Faiths and the Earth course that the interconnectedness of faith, justice, and the environment became profoundly clear.
Through that class, I realized that climate justice can be rooted theologically—it is about honoring God by honoring creation. I became a Garden Steward at the Theo Community Garden, a role that transformed my relationship with the earth. Tending the soil, planting seeds, and witnessing the cycle of life firsthand deepened my connection to God’s creation and revealed the sacredness of the earth in new ways, improving virtues such as patience, nurturing, and preservation. My evenings spent in the Zuck Arboretum, listening to the quiet nature, became moments of devotion and reflection. These experiences reshaped my understanding of social justice as inseparable from environmental stewardship and helped me find my voice as an advocate for climate justice.
Why is this work important, and how can members of the Drew community get involved?
I enjoy working at the Theo Garden. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside other students and volunteers to cultivate tomatoes, peppers, kale, and other vegetables, basically witnessing the beauty of creation and the joy of community. We hope to do more in the coming semester. Each harvest feels like a spiritual act—reminding me of God’s providence and our role as stewards of the earth.
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As Co-Chair of TERRA, I’ve collaborated on initiatives to make Drew a more sustainable community. From advocating for reusable water bottles to organizing events like the Climate Teach-In, our focus has been on fostering awareness and action around environmental care. This spring, we are planning an Eco Walk, an opportunity for the Drew community to reconnect with nature and cultivate pro-environmental behaviors that reflect our shared values.
This really matters to me because in the end, education or advocacy boils down to how we live. Members of the Drew community can get involved by volunteering in the garden, attending TERRA events, or simply choosing to live more sustainably. Together, we can embody our faith in ways that nurture both people and the planet.
Tell us about your advocacy work with GreenFaith.
As a member of the 2025 GreenFaith Rising Leader Fellowship, I have been privileged to work alongside national and global leaders committed to making a tangible difference in the fight for climate justice.
Drew’s theological emphasis on justice-oriented ministry has profoundly shaped my approach to this work. My education here has helped me frame climate justice issues as a spiritual and moral imperative. The mentorship of faculty and the theological resources I have encountered have empowered me to engage faith communities in meaningful dialogue about sustainability and justice.
In December 2024, I had the humbling opportunity to meet the eighth UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, at a reception for climate advocates through the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation. That experience reinforced the crucial role faith leaders can also play in addressing global challenges like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. My advocacy with GreenFaith feels like an extension of the education I am receiving at Drew—a call to live out the principles I’ve been shaped by here.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I aspire to serve as a faith leader who bridges the sacred and the practical, addressing the pressing challenges of our time through ministry, pastoral care, advocacy, and education. My vision is to work in global and local contexts, empowering communities to see social and environmental justice as integral to their faith and daily lives.
I hope to establish initiatives that inspire both congregations and individuals to embrace sustainability as a spiritual practice, creating spaces for dialogue, education, and action. Whether through developing programs for faith-based environmental advocacy, consulting with organizations on the intersections of faith and justice, or mentoring emerging leaders, I want my work to reflect a theology of hope and transformation.
Ultimately, I aim to amplify the voices of those often overlooked in global conversations—faith communities in the Global South, Indigenous leaders, and grassroots advocates—showcasing how their wisdom and resilience can guide us toward a more just and sustainable future. Wherever I serve, I will carry the lessons, values, and vision I have cultivated at Drew, striving to be a leader who inspires others to see justice as an act of worship and faith as a force for change.