The board of directors of C3 (Christians Caring for Creation) and the Baptist Creation Care Initiative have signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing a strategic partnership beginning June 1.
Both organizations will share access to their full range of digital resources — including sermons, Bible studies, podcasts, blogs and liturgical materials — through their respective websites. While C3 and BCCI will remain independent entities with their own boards, websites, and communications channels, they will align efforts to amplify their shared mission, according to a news release.
Katherine Smith
As part of this agreement, Katherine Smith, current executive director of BCCI, will assume the additional role of chief operating officer of C3. In this dual capacity, she will offer strategic administrative leadership, contribute to writing and public engagement and support fundraising initiatives.
Smith will continue to lead BCCI as executive director. Don Gordon, founder and CEO of C3, will remain in his current role and will collaborate with Smith to enhance the mission and impact of C3.
Don Gordon
The partnership will increase the collective supporter base and extend influence from the South into the Middle Atlantic, the news release explained.
“Katherine brings a wealth of global insight to the creation care movement, especially through her work as field personnel in Europe,” Gordon said. “She has been a consistent, passionate advocate for God’s creation throughout her seven years at BCCI. Her dual background in biology and theology uniquely equips her to help Christians see how faith and science are complementary and not contradictory.”
Smith said: “I am excited to be joining the great team that Don heads up at C3. As Christians and fellow caretakers of this amazing planet, we know God can, and will, use our combined talents to help all God loves to heal and prosper — the human and the nonhuman parts.”