Churches Mobilize to Protect Planet

Louisville Courier Journal

Monday, June 19th, 2017

When newly planted trees and shrubs began popping up at St. Margaret Mary Catholic parish last year, they easily could have been mistaken for a simple beautification effort.

But the landscaping actually was part of a research project that the parish’s school is participating in to help the planet.

The pollution-reduction project is an example of how faith communities are finding ways to be kinder and gentler to the environment, including being sensitive to climate change.

Whether it’s installing solar panels at their churches, taking part in an Earth Day walk or eschewing disposable dining ware, many religious people — from Catholics to Presbyterians to Buddhists — are getting involved.

“From our point of view as a faith community, we certainly see that care for the Earth is important equally to care for human beings — that there’s an integral ecology,” said the Rev. Bill Hammer, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
— Darla Carter , @PRIMEDARLA