Last month, a small group from Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley answered Pope Francis’ call to respond to climate change, and the MA Interfaith Coalition for Climate Action was born. They began to reach out to other houses of worship, and planned a gathering for October 12th at their temple. Amazingly, more than 60 religious and spiritual organizations responded, and over 500 people came together on October 12th to voice shared values about our earth and the moral imperative to act. The organizers were prepared and explained that on Tuesday, November 10th, there would be a Legislative Action Day at the State House.
More than 200 people gathered at the Grand Staircase at the State House for a spirited rally on the November 10th, urging legislators to commit to a clean and just energy future that meets our state’s energy needs, and also meets our moral obligation to protect our planet, future generations, and our most vulnerable communities. After the rally, we fanned out to visit more than 60 legislators’ offices, where we outlined and advocated for the coalition’s five legislative priorities for comprehensive energy legislation.
Nine people from Needham, representing three houses of worship, met with aides from Senator Ross’ and Rush’s offices, and with legislative aide Morgan Prudden from Representative Denise Garlick’s office (see photo below). We made our voices heard and stressed the need to direct our energy legislation toward clean, renewable power, and equal access to energy conservation measures for all citizens of Massachusetts.
“We are here today because we know that there are crucial decisions to be made,” said Mariama White-Hammond, a minister in training at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jamaica Plain. “These are decisions that will impact not just the here and now, but generations to come. And so we are here, in these hallowed halls, because we are ready to start a revolution.”
Click here to get added to the MA Interfaith Coalition for Climate Action’s mailing list. Additionally, watch for news from Green Needham about an upcoming public meeting with Representative Garlick to discuss energy issues.
