Overview
 Welcome to the Spiritual Energy page of EB. In this section
we will present information, news and dialogue on the intersection
between energy issues and our own spiritual energy. Our goal here is to share ideas, both old and new,
and to provide a broader perspective on the efforts underway around
the world to protect our planet. Towards that end please share
your own good news about efforts in your community or church to
protect and preserve our planet. We welcome news on any and all
environmentally related projects, from litter clean up campaigns to
using alternative energy in your churches or schools. This
section also provides a number of references on the topics of the
environment, energy and religion. Please help us keep this
section up to date by letting us know about articles or books you may
have come across which our readers should be aware of. Write to us at
editor@energybible.com.
Thanks in advance for your support.
Interfaith Power& Light Initiative Going Strong
 Congregations of any faith may benefit from joining the nonprofit Interfaith Power & Light initiative. The non-profit group offers members a way to lessen energy costs and at the same time, promote renewable energy.
The IP&L initiative came into effect in 1998 when a coalition of Episcopal churches formed with the support of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. They joined together to purchase renewable energy.
In 2001, the group grew into the California Interfaith Power and Light, helping people of all faiths in California organize to promote environmental change and address global warming. Today, under the umbrella group, The Regeneration Project, there is a movement to establish similar programs in all states. Today, 29 states have Interfaith Power and Light organizations.
The mission of The Regeneration Project, as stated on their website, is to make the connection between ecology and faith. The project’s Interfaith Power and Light campaign is generating a religious response to global warming in congregations by advocating renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation.
Massachusetts’ Interfaith Power & Light group, for example, gives members an option to join an oil-purchasing group that can lock in prices; gives them access to utility rebate programs and offers technical advice on energy issues as well as a comprehensive energy audit of their worship facility.
In Wisconsin, the Interfaith Climate & Energy Campaign works closely with the state’s Islamic Environmental Group. The latter’s mission is to educate the local Muslim community as well as the general public about Islamic environmental teachings and how they can be incorporated in every day life for a sustainable future.
IP&L also offers a program called STEM, which stands for Saving Through Energy Management. It’s a 15-hour program for congregations that teaches the skills needed to reduce energy consumption. Membership starts at $50 for an operating budget up to $150,000.
Rev. Canon Sally G. Bingham is the president and founder of The Regeneration Project. She says putting faith into action is key. This includes educating congregations by getting them to buy energy efficient lights and appliances, offering energy audits, encouraging people to buy more fuel-efficient cars, and supporting large-scale renewable energy installations such as rooftop solar.
"We believe our current denominational resolutions and engagement with these issues have often been too timid," according to the statement. "Our cautious response to these issues in the face of mounting evidence may be seen by the world as uncaring, reckless and ill-informed. We can do better."
No one speaks on behalf of all Southern Baptists, who leave decision-making to local churches. Yet, the signatories represent some of the top figures in the convention.
Among them are the denomination's president, the Rev. Frank Page of South Carolina; two former presidents, the Rev. James Merritt of Georgia and the Rev. Jack Graham of
Texas. Supporters plan to collect more signatures for the declaration through
Baptist creationcare.org and encourage congregations to advocate for environmental protection.
... from Environmental News Service
Presbyterian Church Goes Solar
The Presbyterian church at Bartlett Avenue and Capitol Drive claims to be the first green church on the North Shore.
The congregation believes in making God's green earth a little greener.
"It's a way of helping to reduce our carbon footprint," said Reverend Jim Bender.
The 55-year-old church has a new look. There are three rows of solar panels on the roof pointing toward heaven.
Jackie Keltner and Sam Kashou belong to North Shore Presbyterian's very own eco focus group.
"I think they look fabulous," said Keltner. "Even on a relatively small scale, you can make a difference."
It's quite a leap of faith for Sam, who's been attending this church since 1948.
"Solar panels? They didn't even have that in the vocabulary," he quipped.
The panels will not do all the work. Church leaders estimate they will provide about 10-20 percent of the building's electricity.
It does add up to energy bill savings of almost $2,000 a year. Reverend Bender says the project adds up to better ministry.
"Churches are beginning to get back to the true Biblical idea that the earth is not something to be dominated, but the earth is something to be maintained for future generations," Bender told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray.
The panels are paid for by anonymous donations and grants from We Energies and Focus on Energy. ...from Renew Wisconsin
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