To the Editor:
As Director of Rhode Island Interfaith Power and Light, I would like to thank The Rhode Island Catholic for the outstanding coverage given to our recent Cool Congregations workshop which was held at St. Mary’s Parish in Bristol on September 13.
This was an interfaith educational event at which six Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish congregations came together to learn what they could about helping to save Creation.
Cool Congregations is an example of how congregations are coming together to find a religious response to climate change. This program trains potential leaders to reduce their own households’ energy usage and asks for a pledge that they will make a reduction and also
bring the word back to their home congregations.
As a global leader in speaking out for the need for energy efficiency, the Roman Catholic Church has taken a key role in spurring change. The US Conference of Bishops, in its recent Catholic Climate Initiative (www.catholicclimatecovenant.org) states, “The
impact of climate change falls heaviest on the world’s poor. As Catholics, our faith demands prudent action.” And it should be noted that when you use less energy, you spend less money: an opportunity to do well by doing good.
Rhode Island Interfaith Power and Light, part of a coalition of 4000 congregations active in thirty states across the country, welcomes the continuing leadership of Rhode Island’s Catholic parishes in our
ongoing Cool Congregations workshop program. Parishes interested in hosting a Cool Congregations workshop can phone (401)267-0029 or email info@riipl.org.
Howard Brown
Director, RI Interfaith Power and Light
