Climate and energy

Kansas Interfaith Power and Light congregations across the state are working to conserve energy, save money, and be better stewards of creation. In this Guest Blog Series, Kansas Interfaith Power and Light members are invited to share their ideas about energy stewardship. Last week, Rev. Lynn Schlosser of Bergthal Mennonite Church in Great Bend shared a sermon on climate change, and in December, Seminarian Shane Moore shared his creation care ethic from his Methodist upbringing.

Recently, I posed this question to Sister Esther Pineda, of Sisters of St. Joseph in Concordia, KS:

Why should people of faith care about climate change?

“Our faith calls us to recognize the presence of God in each other, the earth and all creation. We must, awaken ourselves to the deep realization of our interconnectedness with the earth and challenge ourselves to live in a mutually enhancing way that reconciles us with all of creation.

Climate change is happening and is caused by human activity. We all share and utilize the same air, water and goods of the earth. The consequences of climate change, first and foremost, affect the poorest and most vulnerable among us due to their limited resources and often live in areas of greater risk. Billions of poor people have no access to even the basic necessities of life, such as clean air and water.

The question Jesus poses, “who is my neighbor?” needs to be answered. Who is my neighbor? The earth and all creation is my neighbor! Together, we, people of faith can help reduce carbon emissions by our activities and life style. Our faith calls us to do so.”

Ask the animals and they shall teach you, the birds of the air, and they shall teach you. Speak to Earth and she shall teach you. Job 12:7-8

-IPL Guest Blog Series coordinated by Eileen Horn