Faith Climate Week

By Beth Ackerly

For 25 years, Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) has been leading the charge when it comes to Creation Care. So first, what is Creation Care? The term “Creation Care” may mean something slightly different to each congregation, but in general, it’s a philosophy that encourages people of faith to see themselves as part of nature rather than being in control of it. Because of their belief that the earth was created by God, they believe that the earth has intrinsic value, and see caring for it as a sacred act of love towards their God. Believing that all creatures are God’s creation, they strive to care for animals as well.

Interfaith Power & Light, founded in 1998 in California, puts Creation Care at the forefront of their mission. They have helped pass clean energy laws in California, and teach people of faith about the dangers of climate change and how to be stewards of our environment.

IPL is involved in numerous programs, but perhaps the most prominent and most important is their Faith Climate Action Week program. For ten days each April, IPL focuses on combating climate change and achieving climate justice through an educational program that includes downloadable sermons, prayer, movie screenings and activism.

IPL encourages congregations across the nation to get involved, and each year they put together a presentation that churches and other groups can use to educate their followers about IPL’s yearly mission. For $26 plus shipping, readers and church representatives can request a kit to be mailed to them from IPL that contains information about the yearly theme and instructions for how to activate their congregation to join IPL’s movement for climate justice.

This year, IPL’s theme for Faith Climate Action Week is “Living the Golden Rule,” which focuses on transitioning to a clean energy economy. IPL believes that its followers have a duty as people of faith to transition to green energy sources and to do so in a way that addresses systemic inequalities. This year’s kit includes a booklet with information about climate justice and clean energy, as well as postcards that are part of a campaign directed at car manufacturer Toyota with the goal of encouraging Toyota to invest more in electric vehicles.

IPL has also selected a short film, "Current Revolution: Nation in Transition," to go with this year’s campaign. The film highlights the Navajo Nation’s switch to renewable energy. Screening rights for this film are normally $90, but through IPL’s partnership with the American Resilience Project, viewers are able to watch the film during Faith Climate Action Week for free. Viewers can visit faithclimateactionweek. org/films to register to screen the film to their organization or view from home, both via online streaming. DVDs of the film can also be purchased for $25 + shipping. Although church congregations are the target of IPL’s campaign, this film would be appropriate for any climate-conscious group or organization to view.

Readers can learn more about the organization at interfaithpowerandlight.org and faithclimateactionweek.org. Ideas for faith-based learning and worship services based around the theme of climate change can be found on both websites. IPL’s materials are also available in Spanish.

Beth Ackerly is studying environmental science at UNCW and will graduate in May 2023. She enjoys hiking, writing, music and spending time with her 6-year-old daughter.