“ANSWERING THE CALL:An Interfaith Gathering for Climate Action” -A Response to Pope Francis’ Encyclical Message
Monday, October 12th. Sign in at 6:30 pm. Event 7 – 9 pm, Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley
Inspired by the message of Pope Francis in his encyclical letter Laudato Sí: On Care for Our Common Home, people of many faiths will join together in shared appreciation for creation, and with shared determination to take action to protect it.
The event will launch an interfaith coalition to “answer the call” to act on climate change. The coalition will be working to support the MA Power Forward statewide campaign to help move Massachusetts toward a clean, just, and inclusive energy future.
Confirmed speakers to date, and their roles in the program:
- Father Bryan Hehir – keynote speaker – The Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Religion and Public Life at Harvard Kennedy School and the Secretary for Health Care and Social Services in the Archdiocese of Boston.
- Rabbi Joel Sisenwine – welcome – Senior Rabbi, Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley.
- Imam Ismail Fenni – opening prayer/invocation – Imam at the Islamic Society of Boston in Cambridge.
- Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman – master of ceremonies – Assistant Rabbi for Engagement at Temple Sinai.
- Father Robert VerEecke – “Creation” dance and remarks – Pastor, St. Ignatius of Loyola in Chestnut Hill; Jesuit Artist-in-Residence at Boston College; Director of Boston Liturgical Ensemble.
- Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas – remarks – Episcopal priest and Missioner for Creation Care in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts
- Mariama White-Hammond – remarks – Minister-in-Training, Bethel AME Church in Jamaica Plain.
- Rev. Fred Small – remarks – Minister of First Parish in Cambridge (UU) and founder of the Creation Coalition.
- Rabbi Rachel Saphire – remarks – Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim.
Originally conceived of as a small interfaith gathering by members of the Wellesley Village Church UCC, the event has now grown to include more than 40 Boston area congregations and faith organizations that have signed on as sponsors and supporters.
At the October 12 event — part service, part forum, part rally — we will gather to learn:
What Pope Francis is telling us about the connection between faith, social justice, and climate change;
What the call to action on climate means to people of faith in Massachusetts and what the practical response looks like in our communities; What we can accomplish together as people of faith that we cannot accomplish alone!
To be part of this special interfaith event – where messages of hope will be shared, as well as inspiration, and action for healing our world will be offered – please RSVP at www.tbewellesley.org/climate. For more information and a current list of speakers and sponsors, visit: www.tbewellesley.org/climate or follow the excitement on Facebook.
DETAILS:
Monday, October 12th
Welcoming Reception & Sign-in: 6:30pm
Program: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Temple Beth Elohim 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley
Event co-chairs: Amy Benjamin, Temple Beth Elohim, and Lise Olney, Unitarian Universalists of Wellesley.
