January 10, 2008, 7 pm - 9:30 pm 
Bishop Hendricken High School
2615 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI

The FIRST interfaith conference on developing a religious community response to Climate Change in Rhode Island.

A conference for clergy, lay leaders, parents, educators, business people and other interested individuals.

Speakers & Workshops
Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Keynote Speaker 7-8 pm

"Seizing Hope in a Season of Despair: The Call to Climate Action"
Margaret Bullitt-Jonas is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader. In recent years her retreats and speaking engagements have focused on reclaiming the sacredness of God’s creation and placing care for the Earth at the center of our moral and spiritual concern. She is principal author of “To Serve Christ in All Creation: A Pastoral Letter from the Episcopal Bishops of New England.” She is a member of the Leadership Council of Religious Witness for the Earth.

Concurrent Workshops 8:30 - 9:25 pm

Workshop #1: Cool Congregations
At least three congregations have taken strides to become more energy efficient. Here about their progress, and learn from their mistakes. There will be a presentation from each plus Q&A. This is valuable information for every congregation.
Presenters will be three panelists representing St. Augustine's (Kingston), Channing Church (Newport), Temple Emanuel (Providence).

Workshop #2: Social Justice and Climate Change
Today low-income families have to choose between food and keeping warm in the winter. What will they face when new taxes and carbon policies come into play? Third-world families in areas such as the Pacific Islands and Bangladesh are already evacuating their homes due to rising sea levels. How do we solve these difficult problems without doing it on the backs of the poor?
Liz Marsis, RI - IPL steering committee will moderate
Guest speaker, Steve MacAusland, Founder and Chief Evangelical Officer, MA - IPL chapter

Workshop #3: Earth and our Children
Our children hold a key to Earth's future. As people of faith, we have a responsibility to tap into their passion and creativity. This hands on workshop will include activities, sharing, a list of resources to encourage parents and educators to  take the “next step” with children. Experience activities such as the “Food Web” to understand that all life is interdependent. A drought has an impact beyond the lake or pond!
Presenter:  Environmental Educator Sr. Denise Turcotte, CSC,   Director of new Dawn Earth Center, Cumberland, RI

Workshop #4: How to Do More Good with Less Effort
Steven P. Hamburg, Ph.D., is Director, Global Environment Program at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University. His research activities have most recently focused on linking climate change impacts to climate change mitigation, including in the corporate sector. He has served as an advisor to both corporations and non-governmental organizations and was awarded an Environmental Merit award by the US Environmental Protection Agency for his climate change-related activities.

Closing interfaith ritual

For more information and/or to register for this event, please call (401)267-0029 or register on-line here.

Suggested donation $10 at the door