Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC Accepted into the GreenFaith Certification Program
‘Green’ Certification Program for Religious Institutions
The Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC was accepted into the GreenFaith Certification Program, the nation’s first interfaith environmental certification program for houses of worship. The Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC is the first house of worship in Maine to join this prestigious national program.
“We are called to care for creation,” said Rev. Diane Bennekamper, Senior Minister. “We are excited to join the GreenFaith Certification Program because it gives us the tools to become strong environmental leaders. We want to live out these ‘green’ values in everything we do—from our preaching and education to the operation of our building, to our advocacy for a healthy environment for communities of color and low-income communities.”
Supporting Houses of Worship Ready to Lead
The program is designed to help churches, synagogues, mosques and temples earn recognition as environmental leaders by carrying out over two dozen environmental activities over two years.
“This Program is a challenging, important way for houses of worship to become environmental leaders,” said the Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith’s Executive Director. “As The Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC goes through the Program, its members will experience the transformation that comes from sharing a religious commitment to Creation.”
GreenFaith will provide extensive support to The Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC, and to all participating institutions through webinars, a list-serve, web-based resources, and support from GreenFaith staff. When The Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC has completed the Program, GreenFaith recognizes them as a religious-environmental leader.
About GreenFaith
Founded in 1992, GreenFaith is an interfaith environmental coalition that inspires, educates and mobilizes people of diverse religious backgrounds as environmental leaders.
GreenFaith is widely recognized as a leader in the international religious-environmental movement. Through a range of innovative programs, GreenFaith helps diverse religious institutions put their beliefs into action for the earth. From eco-themed worship services and religious education to ‘green’ facility management and environmental justice advocacy, GreenFaith provides a unique variety of resources and opportunities for religious-environmental action. To find our more about GreenFaith, see www.greenfaith.org.
For further information about the GreenFaith Certification Program, contact Program Director Stacey Kennealy at skennealy@greenfaith.org or 732-565-7740, ext. 303.
