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The United Church of Christ (UCC) Environmental Justice ministries recently called upon congregations to engage in a nationwide day of action on February 14. The event encouraged teams to visit the district offices of congressional members to advocate for climate action. Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC's minister for Environmental Justice, stated that the initiative aimed to "urge members of Congress to have a heart for climate, for our children, and our children's future."
Spirit of Peace UCC in Issaquah, Washington, participated by meeting with an official from Congressional District Representative Dr. Kim Schrier's office. Rev. Jenn Hagedorn noted that the meeting was productive and focused on shared commitments to environmental care and the benefits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Hagedorn acknowledged Abigail Cipparone from UCC’s advocacy office in D.C. for her support in organizing these visits. Hagedorn expressed optimism about the outcome: “The representative we met with said they would work on sending out a ‘Dear Colleagues’ letter in Congress. We are hoping it gets bipartisan support.”
Niles Discovery Church in Fremont, California also joined the initiative by discussing environmental concerns via Zoom with Kevin Fox from Representative Ro Khanna's office. Susie Claxton highlighted their church’s active role in civil justice rights and climate issues.
Environmental Justice has launched its third annual Climate Hope Campaign under the theme “Planting Seeds of Hope.” Art submissions are open until March 14, with an award ceremony scheduled for April 5 where winners will receive various prizes including a trip to Washington, D.C.
Timothy Harris, President and CEO of the Insurance Board—which has pledged $1,000 to the winning youth artist's church—emphasized collective responsibility towards Earth stewardship based on Genesis 1:26-28.
