Sister Joan Brown Joins National IPL President in Support of Pope Francis’ Laudate Deum

/in , , /by

“Pope Francis again calls us to engage with concerns of economic inequity, greed, food and water, fossil fuel use, and destruction of Earth that are part of a climate warming world. This past summer we all faced stark realities of increased warming and resulting suffering. In calling out the abuse of power in our world while more and more suffer, we are invited with more urgency to use our voices of faith for change as we face ‘breaking point’. Ultimately we must act out of great love for great change.” –Sister Joan Brown, executive director of Interfaith Power & Light New Mexico and El Paso

When Pope Francis released his follow-up document  to Laudato Si in early October, the national Interfaith Power & Light issued a statement in support of the pope’s new encyclical Laudate Deum.  The IPL statement quoted two faith leaders, national president Susan Hendershot and our own Sister Joan Brown.

Rev. Hendershot also published  a joint op-ed with other faith partners in the National Catholic Reporter.

The published piece has links to two other relevant articles in the NCR

Related: Editorial: Climate action requires interfaith collaboration

Related: Faith groups to G7 leaders: Peace requires a fossil fuel treaty

Catholic Climate Covenant also issued a statement in support of the encyclical offered a plan on how we can respond to the pontiff’s new exhortation.

Stay tuned for more resources related to Laudate Deum.

 

Rev. Harry Eberts: Reducing vehicle emissions can help preserve creation

/in , , , , /by

Photo: First Presbyterian Church (Santa Fe)

Rev. Harry Eberts, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe, added his voice to faith leaders advocating for New Mexico to adopt Advanced Clean Car standards ahead of important hearings in November. Here are excerpts of an opinion piece in the Santa Fe New Mexican (followed by a link to the full op-ed)

As a faith leader and pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a congregation that is working to reduce our environmental footprint, I believe each of us is called to respond to this moment in ways that move us toward responsibly caring for the gifts of creation we have been given.

I am grateful that in November, New Mexico leaders will be called to such a response as they consider the governor’s recommendation to adopt advanced clean vehicle standards. Updating these standards will require auto and truck manufacturers to deliver an increasing number of electric vehicles for sale in the region, creating jobs, broader accessibility, cleaner air and helping us significantly curb statewide carbon emissions.

Our Environmental Improvement Board and Albuquerque Bernalillo Air Quality Board will have the opportunity to adopt these standards up to 2035 so we are afforded the best chance at making our state healthier and more equitable for all New Mexicans

This opportunity is made even more important because of incoming federal legislation over the next decade that will continue to help create electric vehicle infrastructure, especially charging stations. Such infrastructure is a necessity in our very rural state where many people must travel long distances as a regular part of their lives and work. This is New Mexico’s opportunity to ensure no one is left behind in the transformation and advancement of our transportation systems.

Read More

Take the Cool Congregations Challenge

/in , , , , /by

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization inspiring and mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate. There are no fees to enter.

Application period opens November 1 each year. Deadline for entries, December 15.

Get ready to enter the Challenge!

Due to Covid the project eligibility window has been expanded again for 2024. Projects completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023 will be eligible to apply. Deadline Dec 15, 2023, awards announced in February 2024.

NEW! Electric Vehicle Leader category for congregations that have encouraged EV adoption. This category includes: EVs (Congregants and Staff) • Congregational EV Charging Stations • Outreach • Educating and Advocating for EVs.  (Includes all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and electric bikes. If your congregation is working on reducing transportation emission through public transportation or carpooling, apply to the Community Inspiration category.)

Categories:

  • Energy Saver
  • Renewable Role Model
  • Cool Planner
  • Electric Vehicle Leader
  • Sacred Grounds category
  • Community Inspiration category

Choose Your Entry Form