Document text
Church leaders look at global warming By SHARI DOWNHILL Faith leaders from across the Rogue Valley and as far away as Portland came together Sunday to discuss how to take a lead role in the healing of their communities and their world. The Oregon Interfaith Global Warming Campaign, orchestrated by the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, is a statewide call to action aimed at addressing the negative effects of global warming. "Honoring & Healing the Creation: Faith Communities Respond to Global Warming," held at the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ, attracted a diverse gathering of spiritual leaders who set aside differences to discuss solutions. Armed with "Climate Care Tool Kits" distributed by event organizers, conference attendants listened intently to three panels of scientists, faith leaders and front runners in environmental programs who repeated the message that no attempt to reduce global and atmospheric pollutants is too small. "Faith Perspectives - Pluralistic Perspectives on our Environmental Responsibility" included panelists Rev. Mary Sue Evers, co-chair of the Oregon Interfaith Global Warming Campaign and pastor of Hubbard United Church of Christ and Aurora Presbyterian Church, both in the Portland area. Other faith leader panelists included: Dot & John Fisher-Smith, of the Ashland Zen Center, and Rabbi Marc Sirinsky of the Temple Emek Shalom. Both Evers and event coordinator, Rev. Tim Tiffany of the First Christian Church in Medford, said that President Bush is well poised to take an effective stand in support of the development of alternative fuels, owing to his close ties to the petroleum industry. "It you can imagine it, then it could happen," Tiffany said. For encouragement, Dick Wanderscheid, Ashland's director of administrative services, told conference attendees they should look close at hand. Wanderscheid said he plans to propose a rebate program for Ashland residents who install solar/electric systems in their homes, in addition to other programs offered through the city-owned electric utility. "I think it's important people see what we've done in Ashland, which is just a small community that's done a lot of things," he said. "They need to know a community can make a difference. " Wanderscheid said walking, biking, purchasing a hybrid vehicle, or installing compact fluorescent light bulbs in homes are just a few examples of what can be done to reduce the pressure on the earth's atmosphere. Similar conferences will be held in Portland, The Dalles and Eugene. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.