On Wednesday, May 27th, 2009, almost 100 people gathered in Houston for the inaugural event of Houston Interfaith Power and Light, “Faith Voices for the Earth: A Contemplative Candlelight Service.” Mayor Bill White addressed the gathering, urging people to consider the earth and ecological concerns from a place of humility and respect. Religious leaders included Zen Teacher Gaelyn Godwin, Rabbi Robert Haas, Reverend Lisa Hunt, Reverend David Keyes, Sister Ceil Roeger, and Reverend Jeremy Rutledge. Music was offered by members of the Covenant Church choir and the Houston Civic Symphony.
The service closed with lovely cello music on the outdoor labyrinth under the light of the moon. The event’s organizer and host, Reverend Jeremy Rutledge, submitted the following on the subject of the vigil and on Houston IPL’s beginnings:
"It is fitting that Houston should have the first city chapter of Interfaith Power and Light. As the nation's energy capital, and a city of extraordinary religious diversity, we hope to play a key role in linking the ways we produce and consume energy and the moral and ethical teachings of our faith traditions.
"We believe there is a growing grassroots movement among people of faith seeking to respond to climate change. In our dialogue and our action, we are finding common ground as we seek to care for the Earth and each other. What was most refreshing about our vigil was how eager everyone was to get involved. Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and Unitarian Universalists were all quick to join themselves and their communities to this new effort.
"Some may think it is already too late, but there has never been a more important year to raise our voices. With the Waxman-Markey legislation in the news and the U.N. Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen this December, we need to raise our voices now more than ever."
Next Steps for Houston Interfaith Power and Light?
"Our next steps may include workshops on how to green our churches, mosques, synagogues, and sanghas and a dialogue with our city's mayoral candidates about how they will each respond to climate change. We also hope to work with Texas Interfaith Power and Light to determine how we can work with our state representatives to support clean, renewable energy while reducing consumption.
"Each of our religious traditions teaches love for the Earth and our neighbors. At its heart, this is what Houston Interfaith Power and Light is trying to do."
Faith Voices for the Earth: A Contemplative Candlelight Service
Houston Interfaith Power and Light
Faith Voices for the Earth: A Contemplative Candlelight Service
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Please join us for Houston Interfaith Power and Light's inaugural event. Participants include Mayor Bill White, Zen Teacher Gaelyn Godwin, Rabbi Robert Haas, Reverend Lisa Hunt, Reverend David Keyes, Sister Ceil Roeger, and Reverend Jeremy Rutledge. Music will be offered by members of the Covenant Church choir and the Houston Civic Symphony.
The service will be woven from the voices of our many faiths as we consider our responses to climate change. We will conclude with a candlelight vigil on the outdoor labyrinth.
Covenant Church
4949 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77004
713-668-8830
Houston Interfaith Power and Light
We are proud to announce the first local chapter of TXIPL: Houston Interfaith Power and Light (Houston IPL). Houston IPL will work with Texas Interfaith Power and Light to focus on Houston congregational efforts to respond to global warming through education, outreach, and action. For more information or to get involved, contact Jeremy Rutledge.