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Faith Communities as Allies in the Climate Crisis

November 17, 2025

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Agenda

  • Introduce Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light
  • Partners in Action
  • Partners in Education
  • Partners in Advocacy
  • Brainstorm!

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MassIPL’s Mission:�Faith in action for climate justice

www.MassIPL.org

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  • Independent 501c3 non-profit
  • 240 Member congregations
  • Mission: Faith in action for climate justice
  • One of 40 chapters of the national Interfaith Power & Light network
  • Members of all faiths bound by a common concern for creation.

Join us! www.massipl.org

��Learn more at �www.massipl.org

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351 municipalities��~3000 faith communities��~ 25% monthly attendance��50+ MCAN chapters��~240 MassIPL members��

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Pray���Connect climate justice to faith

“The destruction of the earth’s environment is the human rights challenge of our time.

The most devastating effects are visited on the poor, those with no involvement in creating the problem.

This is a deep injustice.”

    

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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Pray���Connect climate justice to faith

“A person who could afford to spend and consume more but regularly uses less heating and wears warmer clothes shows the kind of conviction and attitudes which help to protect the environment. There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation in little daily actions…” (211)

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Faith-based perspective on climate action: Beyond science and financial issues

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Why go Green?

“People who are socially, economically, culturally….or otherwise marginalized are especially vulnerable.”

Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

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MassIPL in Lawrence, MA

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Lowering your carbon emissions is an act of compassion!

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https://www.massipl.org/

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Four Principles of Zero Carbon

www.MassIPL.org

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Act���Lower the carbon footprint of your house of worship and home – and save money

  • Holistic report on energy use, space use, behavior, building, and equipment
    • Assesses areas a MassSave assessment won’t address
  • Recommendations prioritized by cost, effort, and carbon reduction impact.
  • Path to zero carbon emissions
  • Follow up discussions with MassIPL to help you understand and act on findings
  • Helps you make the most of a MassSave Assessment

Environmental Stewardship Assessment

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Environmental Stewardship Assessment

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Act���Solar Power for Faith Communities

  • High quality, reliable installers
  • Competitive pricing
  • Range of financing options
  • Support, education, advice
  • Network of houses of worship who have gone solar

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Mobilize��Policies for a just and sustainable world

  • Faith Climate Voter Project
  • Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future
  • Mass Power Forward
  • Affordable Clean Heat

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Partners in �Action

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Partners in �Education

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Partners in Advocacy

Sun Day Pilgrimage, September 21, 2025

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Whom to work with?

Governance

  • Board
  • Trustees
  • Vestry
  • Parish Council

Partners

  • Clergy
    • aka, Priest, Rabbi, Minister, Pastor
  • Green team
    • aka, Environmental Stewardship, Environmental Ministry
  • Social Action Committee
    • aka, Outreach
  • Property Committee
  • Treasurer

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Episcopal Creation Care Justice Network

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Brainstorm!

  • How can MassIPL help you connect with faith communities in your area?
  • Can you help MassIPL connect with more faith communities?
  • How can MassIPL support your advocacy and education efforts?

More ideas?

Email us at

jnail@MassIPL.org mreed@MassIPL.org

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Thank you!

More questions?

Email us at

jnail@MassIPL.org mreed@MassIPL.org

www.MassIPL.org