Coming Together in Faith On Climate: A Multi-Faith Response to the Pope’s Historic Visit to Congress

Friends – I’m thrilled to be part of a team organizing a multi-faith response to the Pope’s historic visit to the US Congress, September 24.

There will be a Press Event on Monday, September 21. (Details TBA)

There will be a multi-faith gathering at the National Cathedral, Thursday evening, September 24, at 7:30 pm EDT – free, open to the public, and ticketed (space is limited).

And then there will be a follow-up invitation-only gathering of faith-based climate leaders on Friday morning.

Here are three ways I hope you’ll want to be involved:

1. If you’re in the DC area, you can come to the event (tickets here).

2. Wherever you are, you can organize a local gathering that night too – in your home, in your church, etc., because the National Cathedral event will be live streamed.

3. Stay informed and spread the word. I’ll post information here – and you can expect a full website with additional information in the next few days.

Additional information below …

Religious Leaders Support and Extend the Pope’s Call to Action

Climate change is profoundly impacting God’s creation and people, with the poorest and most vulnerable bearing the greatest consequences. The impacts of increasing droughts, floods, wildfires, extreme weather and rising sea levels can be measured in lost lives, higher food prices, poorer health and billions of dollars in disaster relief. Our faith demands that we act now.

Pope Francis will come to the United States September 22-27, 2015, visiting Washington D.C., New York and Philadelphia. In Washington D.C., on September 23rd, the Pope will meet with President Obama, visit with US Bishops (St. Matthews), and hold a Canonization Mass (Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception). On Thursday, September 24, Pope Francis will give an historic address to a joint session of Congress and visit St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

On Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25, Blessed Tomorrow, Convergence, the National Cathedral and other partners will host Coming Together in Faith on Climate, bringing together Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other national religious leaders in Washington D.C. at the National Cathedral to express inter-denominational support for the Pope’s call to action on climate change and creation care.

Coming Together will help catalyze the moment provided by the Pope’s encyclical and U.S. visit to accelerate leadership and collective action for climate solutions by faith leaders and communities with a public event and leader gathering at the National Cathedral and the announcement of supporting initiatives. Specific goals include:

1. Support and amplify Pope Francis’ calling across and among faith communities across America
2. Expand religious leadership for climate solutions by providing a platform to demonstrate collective support and collective action;
3. Determine and provide resources and clear next steps to build engagement in climate solutions within faith communities;
4. Increase awareness of the work of various denominational bodies and interfaith organizations dedicated to environmental responsibility;
5. Call attention to faith communities’ support for climate solutions by maximizing mainstream, denominational, and social media coverage.

On Thursday September 24, the evening of Pope Francis’ historic speech to Congress, we will gather 1,000 faith leaders at the National Cathedral for 90 minutes of prayer, messages from key faith leaders, songs and poetry to inspire and challenge faith and climate leaders in their work. On the following day we will gather 100+ faith leaders at the National Cathedral to watch the Pope address the United Nations in New York City, and share experiences and ideas on building support for climate solutions through faith in our congregations, our communities and our nation.

Schedule
Mon. Sep. 21, 10-11 am ET – Location TBD – Religious Leaders Press Call
Religious leaders support Pope Francis’ call for climate solutions and justice and announce initiatives

Thu. Sep. 24, 7:30-9 pm – National Cathedral – Coming Together
7:30-9 pm Public program to extend the call for climate solutions and justice.
Featuring speakers, music, and artistic performances.

Fri. Sep. 25, 8:30–11:30 am – National Cathedral – Religious Leaders Convening
Religious leaders will convene to discuss the role of faith in climate leadership, advance specific initiatives, and watch a live stream of Pope Francis’ address to the United Nations

Stay up to date on the latest details forming around this event on www.brianmclaren.net.