For Immediate ReleaseJune 22, 2015

Contact: The Rev. Bruce Gillette, Board Vice President, Delaware Interfaith Power & Light (DeIPL) bcgillette@comcast.net / 302-994-7664Lisa Locke, Executive Director, DeIPL

llocke@delawareipl.org / 616.914.1597

Leaders of diverse religious groups in Delaware speak out:Addressing climate change as a moral imperative

WILMINGTON, DE –Delaware Interfaith Power & Light (DeIPL), whose mission is to provide a religious response to climate change, celebrates release of Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si’ (“Be praised” or “Praise be to you”).

The encyclical explores the relationship between creation care, sustainability of the environment and concern for the poor — all foundational themes for the great religions of the world. It is the first encyclical in history to specifically address humanity’s relationship with the environment and, unlike any previous encyclical, was addressed to every person on the planet.

“Amid the daily news of human tragedy and natural disaster, a very bright and clear light shone last Thursday as the Pope Francis’ Encyclical was released, heralding his message of our moral responsibility for Caring for all Creation, protecting the poor and vulnerable; rethinking our relationship with each other and the natural world,” said Lisa Locke, Executive Director of Delaware Interfaith Power & Light. “With the extensive national and international attention this has garnered, it has created a powerful opportunity for the impassioned voices of the larger faith community to be united and heard. “

Some prominent climate change deniers are challenging the Pope’s motivations, and dismissing his authority on the issue, defining climate change as a political issue. But religious leaders throughout Delaware are asserting that the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change make this a defining moral issue of our times; one that we are morally compelled to address. And they are speaking out and taking action.

Voices of Delaware Faith leaders:

“Pope Francis' encyclical is a gift to the universal Church and world; I hope all people (not just Catholics and other Christians) will read this document that is a wonderful blend of spiritual, prophetic, scientific and practical insights.  What makes it truly impressive is that the Pope and Vatican City are "walking the talk" - truly living out the teachings found in this impressive statement.  The Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall is covered with 2,400 solar panels.  The Vatican buys carbon credits so it is the first carbon neutral country in the world.  Catholics,

other people of faith and everyone need to follow these inspiring examples of caring for God's creation with real actions in their churches, businesses and homes.  We all must advocate for much-needed government policy to counter Climate Change in our state and nation for the sake of the world and future generations.”

The Rev. Bruce Gillette, Co-Pastor of Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, (the first faith community in Delaware to go solar with 180 panels on their sanctuary roof – photo below) and DeIPL Vice-President

“At last, a world leader has spoken from a deep heart of our radical connection to all life. The Encyclical sets forth an integral ecology and is a call to action for all of us. It gives me hope.”

The Rev. Martha Kirkpatrick, Episcopal Priest, Rector of St. Barnabas' Church, Wilmington

“It is all too evident that the threats to human and natural systems have reached a crisis, due increasingly to the effects of Climate Change. Pope Francis’ Encyclical message speaks to the hearts and minds of all of us. It reflects our own teachings on protecting and caring for those most vulnerable; sustaining the web of life that supports us; declaring the glory of God’s Creation - compelling us to personal action. “

The Reverend Jeffrey Austin Ross, Rector, Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, Lewes

“Our beloved nation cannot afford to abandon its moral imperative of caring for the sacredness of all creation, to include but not limited to those intentionally overlooked, nature, the poor and vulnerable. “

The Rev. Dr. Donald Morton, Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, Wilmington

“The well being of humanity has always been a religious matter. Thank you Pope Francis for connecting the health of humanity to that of the earth, and for calling on all people to make the earth's climate a priority. If human beings are not stewards of the earth than life itself is in jeopardy.   Your voice will prove to be a powerful influence.  Yes, there still be some naysayers, but so many more will listen and work to mitigate, even advert, the danger we face. We are grateful.”

The Rev. Paula Maiorano, Co-founder, Coalition to Dismantle the New Jim Crow

“Living by Brandywine Creek and noticing its slowly improving condition, I see that just as human beings can harm nature through ignorance and callousness, we can rather choose to repair damage and restore habitat.  I am deeply grateful for the Pope's encyclical.  It calls us all to cherish this beautiful planet and work diligently together to restore it to a healthier condition for future generations.”

The Rev. Tom Davis, Commissioned Interfaith Peacemaker of New Castle Presbytery

“Finally, a world leader has spoken to all people and all nations about climate change. Thank you, Pope Francis, for your powerful call to action that crosses boundaries of nationality, religion, race, and culture. “

Susan Moseley, Church Educator, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wilmington

“Pope Frances encyclical letter On Care for Our Common Home is a powerful invitation to Wake Up!  It is an invitation to change the way many of us in western society live and view the world in which we live.” 

The Rev, Dr. Timothy Duchesne, Senior Pastor, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Wilmington

“Islam places a great emphasis on natural resources given to us by the creator based on which we are only entrusted with such resources till we pass away and pass this trust to our children and grand children. At the least we should not abuse such trust and we should pass it on in a similar or better state than when we receive it. After all no one is interested in an investment fund that looses its value overtime. Unless carful effort is done to preserve the value of such fund to help it continually grow. What better investment should we all care for other than our God given Natural Resources.”

Ahmed Sharkawy, Islamic Society of Delaware, Newark

“It is apparent that the Pope’s definitive teaching concerning climate change has motivated the religious masses to unite in an effort to enhance those necessary steps that will make it a success for all of God’s creation.”

Apostle John T. Graham, Temple United Church, Inc, Wilmington

“This is about our legacy, about the kind of world that we are leaving for our children.  Because of our actions that are dramatically changing our global climate, our children will grow up in a very different world. How we will respond when they ask, ‘Why did you stand by and do nothing as the sea levels began to rise, as the ice melted, and as the wildfires burned?”’ The Pope has challenged us to act together to change the course of history.  We can do this; we must do this, for our children’s’ sake.”

John Sykes, DeIPL Board President and Founder

Delaware Interfaith Power & Light is a religious response to climate change. We consider our work – whether sharing scriptures, hosting workshops, distributing energy-saving kits, expanding green space, coordinating solar energy projects, creating partnerships or meeting with legislators - a moral imperative.  Our goal, ultimately, is to assure the preservation of a healthy, sustainable planet but, closer to home, to improve the everyday quality of life of our families, our neighbors and our communities. 

One of 40 state affiliates of Interfaith Power & Light, representing 17,000 congregations, DeIPL currently includes 25 member congregations of many faith traditions and serves the broader faith community throughout Delaware.