Connecting Communities of Faith to Address Climate Change

By Laura Duncan on 02/22/2011 @ 03:43 PM

For the past 10 years, Interfaith Power and Light has sought to engage people of all faiths in the environmental movement. Their efforts began in 1998 with a coalition of Episcopal churches and in 2001 the group was expanded to encompass people of all religions, with the goal of helping them organize and promote the appropriate response to climate change. I recently attended an event featuring Joelle Novey, the leader of the Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light. The organization works to bring together religious communities – of all faiths – to address the global climate crisis.

When asked about how she reaches out to people of different faiths, Ms. Novey, who is jewish, reminded us that every congregation has a “green sheep”, someone who is aware of the dangers posed by climate change and who wants to bring the discussion to his or her religious community. Interfaith Power and Light empowers these individuals by connecting them to speakers of their faith who are committed to environmental work. The organization also helps congregations that wish to improve energy efficiency in their places of worship.

When reaching out to faith groups, Ms. Novey says it is important to remember that climate change is a moral issue. She asks that we reflect on the way we are living and the damaging consequences of this lifestyle on others around the world and on future generations.

If you are a “green sheep” looking for guidance, or if you would like more information on Interfaith Power and Light, please visit their website.

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