Solar Solutions

Thanks to St Paul Area Synod Care of Creation Team member Vernita Kennen for sharing this Great Idea from the Lutheran World Federation.

Here is a story of hope, inspiration, and vision!

When the church becomes a public witness for healing and solutions we can have a major impact on the state of the world.

As the article states, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) adopted a ‘Resolution on the Climate Emergency’ calling on LWF member churches to ‘incorporate climate justice campaigns into their activities’.

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria (ECACA), an affiliate of LWF, in accordance with this call, launched their ‘Building Austria’s Largest Balcony Solar Power System Together’ campaign.

Please read the full – very short – article, Balcony by Balcony: Austrian Church Campaigns for a Renewable Future (here) for the numerous inspiring aspects of this campaign, notably:

  • The church has an office dedicated to climate protection
  • an Austrian solar unit provider agrees that low-cost installations benefit the common good
  • Austrian utility fees are established to make self-generated power a less-expensive option
  • the solar power systems are recognized as ‘strengthening the independence from communal or other large power plants and “reduce dependence on fossil fuels and on the countries providing them”
  • individual church members ‘helps raise awareness and promote the acceptance of renewable energies in society’

Most mainline denominations in the US have an office dedicated to climate justice.

Most have social statements regarding the importance of climate care.

Many of our more regional expressions (synods, diocese, conferences, etc.) also have regional leadership teams on climate care and justice.

Let these three realities create a non-divisive platform from which to approach discussions and work on climate care. How might your congregation engage – collectively, together – to increase your impact on your community and region?

Engaged congregations can change local narratives about climate realities – which is especially exciting when we do so informed with solutions that can be implemented and that can improve our local neighbors’ lives.

Congregational commitments and congregational partnerships are helpful and inspiring AND they make life-giving change happen in our local communities.