Many religious groups in Connecticut are taking action to protect the environment. Motivated by their beliefs, these institutions are engaging in green challenges, advocacy, and community gardening. Laura Baird from the Asylum Hill Congregational Church’s Climate Action Group shared, “God has given us this amazing Earth. We must be good stewards of it.”
Located in downtown Hartford, Asylum Hill Congregational Church (AHCC) is part of the Green Congregation Challenge, an initiative from the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. This program guides churches on how to be more environmentally friendly, step by step. It includes action items in five areas: educate, organize, reduce/recycle/rethink, connect, and advocate.
Baird and co-chair Pieter Werner have led AHCC to level two of the challenge, with level three in sight. Their actions include organizing educational talks, promoting food waste composting, creating a pollinator garden, growing produce for the local community, and encouraging voter registration focused on climate issues.
Just a short drive away, Immanuel Congregational Church has reached level four. They have installed a solar water heater, enhanced their insulation, and run an eco-education program for kids. Karim Ahmed, a member of their Creation Care/Environmental Committee, believes climate change is a moral challenge. He emphasizes that religious communities have a unique role in addressing such issues.
Ahmed, a scientist involved with the Global Council for Science and the Environment, collaborates with the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), which supports religious groups in their environmental efforts. IREJN offers resources, including small grants for setting up gardens and improving energy efficiency.
IREJN’s Executive Director, Teresa Eickel, explains how climate change impacts various inequalities. They aim to connect climate issues with the struggles communities face, particularly regarding public health and energy costs. For example, Temple Beth El in Stamford installed 845 solar panels in 2013 to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.
Within Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam – or “repairing the world” – motivates Temple Beth El’s commitment to sustainability. Executive Director Steven Lander underscores the importance of making the world better through these actions.
Surveys indicate that many people trust religious leaders when discussing climate issues, but these leaders often feel ill-equipped to tackle such complex topics. To address this, IREJN organizes training sessions to boost their confidence in discussing environmental justice.
Additionally, the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace offers a graduate certificate in eco-spirituality that combines religious studies with ecological responsibility. Director Lisa Dahill highlights the importance of understanding how faith can motivate action against climate change. She believes that religious communities can help people confront environmental crises more effectively and empower them to make a real difference.
Ultimately, these faith-based communities are realizing their power and responsibility to care for the Earth. By taking meaningful steps, they are not just serving their congregations but also contributing to a healthier planet for everyone.
Check out this related article: Discover the Eco-Friendly Benefits of Houseplants: Insights from Eartha
Source link