UCC members participate in White House meeting on climate goals

At a gathering in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 13, the United Church of Christ minister for Environmental Justice, the Rev. Brooks Berndt, and other faith leaders met to discuss climate-related goals and learn ways faith-based organizations can benefit from and support the current administration’s climate agenda as the presidential election draws near.

Celebrating climate resiliency

The meeting focused on lifting up and celebrating how faith communities can access federal funds, especially in relationship to the Inflation Reduction Act. Direct payments can be received from the IRS for installing solar panels and storage batteries.

In addition to hearing from top White House advisors and staff, the faith leaders heard local success stories, especially churches that have become “climate resiliency hubs” or “community resiliency hubs.”

“Churches are a natural fit to be places of refuge and resiliency in times of trouble as severe weather events increase due to the climate crisis,” Berndt said. “I believe churches that serve as resiliency hubs have the potential to become as common as churches that serve as food pantries. It is a vitally important way for churches to embody a love for their immediate neighbors. Fortunately, for churches there is government funding to help them do this. It is an incredible opportunity to be of service to one’s surrounding community while also being a better environmental and financial steward.”

Berndt estimates there were at least 50 people present at the meeting.

“As we engaged with government officials, I gave voice to what I have been hearing from churches as they apply for government benefits. As these new programs are rolled out, the IRS will hopefully streamline its approach so that it becomes easy for churches to be recognized in the IRS system as tax exempt entities. A representative from the Treasury Department expressed a commitment to addressing this,” he said.

Andreas Karelas, executive director for RE-volv, made a presentation at the event and pointed out that going to solar energy is contagious.

“Recent data suggests that when a nonprofit or house of worship goes solar, you can expect up to 80 residences in the area to follow suit over the next five years,” Karelas said.

Berndt was moved by what he heard.

“I was so inspired by the panelists who shared local success stories that I have invited some of them to be on my next webinar entitled “A Refuge in Times of Trouble: Faith Communities as Resiliency Hubs.” The UCC Creation Justice webinar will be held on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. ET, and registration is open now.

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