Climate Action Assembly created post-election space for community reflection

On the day after the presidential election, Nov. 6, the Climate Action Assembly met to assess the implications of the election results and begin to plan ahead.

The Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC minister for Environmental Justice, acknowledged it was a “heavy moment” for those gathered.

“Many of us may be feeling despair, anger, numbness, outrage, and anxiety — those are all places we may be landing right now,” he stated, following the re-election of former President Donald Trump. He referred to it as a “wilderness moment.”

Berndt said there are three ways to focus on this moment.

“First, we can turn toward God and each other, second we discern, and third we act,” he said.

Leaning on faith and commitments to justice

Guest speakers shared their thoughts about how to proceed going forward.

Robin Lewis, the climate equity director for Interfaith Power & Light-DMV, said when she saw the results, she first turned to her faith and began praying.

“Knowing that my ancestors have gone through so much more,” she shared, “I am still processing it. But I’m also thinking about what do I do next. My focus is what I can do to make sure communities get the help they need. That’s where I’m at.”

Abigail Cipparone, domestic policy advocate of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy in Washington, D.C., agreed.

“What has helped me is thinking the work continues. Just as yesterday we were committed to the vision of a healthy planet, and the thriving of all people, access to clean water, access to a safe place to sleep, we are still committed to those things,” she said. “We will continue to be committed to those things as people of faith. That doesn’t change day to day.”

The meeting also included breakout sessions for those gathered on Zoom to share their feelings about the work ahead.

Planning for action

Berndt asked those in the meeting to look ahead to the next stage of the Climate Hope campaign as church members, and to prepare to visit the district offices of their elected officials on Valentine’s Day of 2025. Churches can register to participate here.

Every two months, the UCC Council for Climate Justice hosts a Climate Action Assembly focused on collective endeavors rooted in recent General Synod resolutions. Climate Action Assemblies are open to all members of the UCC. Full recordings of the meetings are available for viewing.

Additionally, the Environmental Justice Mission Group of the UCC New Hampshire Conference is hosting a biennial webinar symposium this week. Its goal is to educate, inspire action, and foster unity in the pursuit of a greener, more just world.

This Environmental Justice Youth + Summit is free and open to all. There are two sessions, and registration is now open.

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