Faith communities lead the way on saving energy, addressing climate impacts

Ohio Congregations win national honors–2012 Cool Congregation Awards

In a year marked by increasing climate disruption, two Ohio congregations have won recognition in the 2012 Cool Congregations Challenge. First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, Shaker Heights, and First English Lutheran Church, Columbus, are among more than three dozen congregations honored this year by Interfaith Power & Light, a national organization mobilizing a religious response to global warming.

“This year, we have witnessed the catastrophic impacts of global warming, from Superstorm Sandy to widespread drought, floods and wildfires,” said The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, founder and president of Interfaith Power & Light. “As people of faith, we know that it’s not enough to talk about climate impacts. We need to take action now, and these congregations are leading the way with their creative and meaningful projects.

[Click here] to find out about all the 2012 Cool Congregations.

1. “A Cool Congregation has a certain infectious can-do spirit as they work to make a concrete environmental benefit. Winners just exude that spirit and inspire us to believe that we will solve climate change and protect Creation, one congregation at a time.”–Susan Stephenson, executive director of IPL

The Cool Congregations Challenge shows that people of faith are united by concerns about climate change. The winners provide strong moral role models for their communities, and their activities have a ripple effect with people in their own homes.