For over 15 years, IREJN has striven to fulfill its mission of empowering religious communities in Connecticut to be faithful stewards of the Earth. Although we have made some progress, there is so very much more to be done, and changes that need to be made that can only happen with people of faith working together. To address the crisis of the rapidly progressing degradation of our world, we propose :
Mobilizing Congregations to work with each other and eco-organizations to protect our environment. Examples of campaigns could be: eliminating toxic chemicals, preserving our forests and farmlands, preventing fracking and oil pipelines, encouraging renewables, recycling, reducing use of plastics, greening jobs and transportation, etc.
Expanding the Green Houses of Worship Project to include many more churches, synagogues and mosques. Encourage congregations to implement eco-friendly measures in their buildings, increase energy efficiency, write up the steps they’ve taken, receive recognition for their work, and share their process with the community.
Creating Gardens on the properties of Houses of Worship, as part of a “Back to Eden Project.” Encourage each congregation to plant a garden of whatever size, symbolic of a return to the beauty of the Garden of Eden, engaging all ages in greening the Earth.
Continuing our Signature Climate and Creation Stewardship Summit in the Fall of the year. Our Summits bring together our interreligious community for a day of education, sharing and visioning. Each Summit has a different theme: 2016 focused on our children’s future, 2017 will be about purifying and conserving water. We combine interfaith prayer and worship with presentations by ecological experts.
To achieve these ends we have set up Our Earthkeepers Fund with the goal of raising $100,000 above our operating costs. This fund is designated to hire a full time Executive Director for two years, someone with the expertise, energy and time to lead and coordinate our interfaith community in implementing the above program. Please donate here to support the Earthkeeper’s Fund. Thank you for your continued support!
