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Who we are |
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We come to this work from different spiritualities and faith traditions, learning from one another and supporting one another in making a better future for generations to come. As members of a common humanity, we recognize that the impacts of climate change are now touching the lives of those least able to adapt. Being part of this effort offers us the opportunity to care for creation and to put our different faiths into action in a meaningful way.
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Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light * 205-IPL Pasquerilla Spiritual Center * University Park, PA 16802 info@paipl.org * 814-876-2597 |
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A Brief History of PA IPL |
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In October, 2009, the Rock Ethics Institute of Penn State University sponsored a conference on “Stewardship or Sacrifice: Religion and the Ethics of Climate Change” made possible by a generous grant from the Tanker Family Foundation. The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham gave one of the keynote speeches, and at the end of that conference, about 40 attendees agreed to consider starting a PA chapter of IPL. An interim steering committee was elected at a first meeting on November 15, 2009. On March 21, 2010, about 25 individuals gathered in State College and approved the wording of the mission statement and the covenants for both individuals and congregations. Since then, we have a growing list of charter members. A fiscal sponsor, the Religion and Society Center in Harrisburg, agreed to take on PA IPL as a project, thereby extending its non-profit status to our fledgling organization. The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs at Penn State has generously provided an office, and a Penn State student group has also started up. The Steering committee approved bylaws for PA IPL, hired a part-time executive director and laid the foundation for our “kick-off” event at the Penn State—Temple football game over the weekend of September 24-25, 2010. During that weekend, a new board of directors was elected, with Sylvia Neely agreeing to serve as the first president of PA IPL. Our accomplishments this first year are summarized here. This past year we have focused on energy assessments at several PA congregations and establishing local “clusters” of congregations and people of faith across the state. We held our second Annual Meeting and Conference in State College on September 18, 2011 and our third Annual Meeting and Conference in Harrisburg in October, 2012. For our 2011 annual report, click here. For the 2012 annual report, click here. In 2013, PA IPL was awarded 501(c)3 non-profit status. |
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Board of Directors |
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The board of PA IPL includes clergy and laity from all over Pennsylvania representing many different faith traditions: Christine Brotherson (Catholic, Erie), Krista Showalter Ehst (Mennonite, Barto), Rev. Doug Hunt (UCC, Haverford), Rachel Mark (Unitarian, Hummelstown), Rev. Daishin McCabe (Buddhist, York), Chuck Marshall (Baptist, Wayne), Sylvia Neely (Anglican, State College), Rev. Jane Ellen Nickel (Methodist, Meadville), Rev. Cheryl Pyrch (Presbyterian, Philadelphia), Rev. Amy Reumann (Lutheran, Harrisburg), John Roe (Baptist, State College), Bill Sharp (Baha’i, State College), Rabbi Daniel Swartz (Reform Judaism, Scranton), Rev. William Thwing (United Church of Christ, Johnstown), Greg Wozniak (Catholic, Pittsburgh). The Board Officers are Bill Thwing, President; Daniel Swartz, Vice President; Sylvia Neely and Cheryl Pyrch, Secretaries; John Roe, treasurer; and Bill Sharp, community coordinator. The board is supported by a terrific office staff. |
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Our Logo |
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Our beautiful logo was designed by Brynne Cohen-Dodge of Miss B Designs. Rev. William Thwing offered this interpretation: “Incorporating the shape of the State of Pennsylvania should encourage the pride and loyalty of Pennsylvanians to their home state. The seven rays of the sun in our new logo could be symbolic of the biblical seven days of Creation (or the seven arms of a temple menorah [Hanukah menorahs have nine arms] ). The rugged mountains in the foreground are reminiscent of the Alleghenies and the words "Pennsylvania" in strong green against white is reminiscent of the origins of our State name which translated from Latin means "Penn’s Woods." Penn's Woods should be a very deep dark green place where lots of CO2 is converted to Oxygen! I also like the fact that the base of the windmill is hidden behind the mountains. Seeing as God made the Sun and we-made the windmill, it emphasizes God's creation over humankind's invention.”
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Send a message to info@paipl.org to receive a monthly email update. |
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PA IPL is the Pennsylvania affiliate of Interfaith Power & Light, a national religious response to the threat of climate change. We see climate change as a moral issue, one that demands a response from people of faith. |
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Creation Care Coalition of Centre County This coalition includes around fifteen congregations in the State College area. Meets monthly and sponsors regular events. |
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Interfaith Coalition on the Environment, Harrisburg A network of people and communities of faith in south central Pennsylvania advocating on a grassroots level to reduce the ecological footprint of individuals, organizations and municipalities. |
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Given the size of Pennsylvania, we do much of our work through local networks. The three listed here have officially affiliated with us, and we are working to increase these “clusters” across the state. We invite you to join cluster events in your area and to come to our annual meeting in October. |
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Mainline Interfaith Green Group
Founded three years by Courtenay Willcox of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian, MIGG involves about 15 congregations from Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs. Check out this great story about the founding of MIGG. |
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Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light is a community of congregations, faith-based organizations, and individuals of faith responding to climate change as a moral issue, through advocacy, energy conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of clean, renewable energy. |
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Quick links:
Board of Directors
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We are hundreds of individuals and more than two dozen congregations, and we have joined PA IPL by making a monetary contribution and by signing a covenant to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by increasing efficiency and conservation. We encourage alternative modes of transportation and the use of clean, renewable energy. We have an affiliate student organization at Penn State, where our office is located. We have an active, all-volunteer board who donate hundreds of hours each year and a small paid staff. Our partners around the state |
