Indianapolis Green Congregations

Indianapolis Moving Beyond Coal by 2016

In August 2014, representatives of the Indianapolis Power & Light announced plans to phase out burning coal at its Harding Street power plant by 2016. Power production would be converted to natural gas. This decision, strenuously sought by a wide array of groups, including Indianapolis Green Congregations and Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light, is being widely applauded. For more details see the Sierra Club press release or this Indy Star article. The voices of the faith community were critical to the success of this campaign. Thanks to all those who worked to bring this change about.

At its January 2014 meeting, the Indianapolis Green Congregations steering committee passed a resolution calling on IPL to move beyond coal to clean energy.

What is a Green Congregation?

Green Congregations are part of a growing movement among faith communities of many denominations to recognize the importance of environmental stewardship in all aspects of life--at home, at church and at work.

A Green Congregation is one that addresses issues of environmental stewardship and social justice. Green ministries take many forms and have many names, but all share a commitment to care for God's creation and to live more sustainably on the Earth.

A Green Congregation may work on programs to reduce pollution, environmental degradation and depletion of resources. Caring for creation includes moderation in lifestyle, living sustainably with the land, and living out the universal ethics of justice, mercy and truth.

If you're interested in starting a green ministry at your congregation, contact us for assistance and ideas or check out our links to on-line resources or past presentations on getting started.

An Affiliate of Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light

Indianapolis Green Congregations is a Central Indiana affiliate of Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light (H-IPL). H-IPL's mission is “To bring Hoosiers of faith together as stewards of creation in order to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and related sustainable practices.”

We partner with H-IPL to present programs in Central Indiana. Individuals and congregations can join H-IPL to support its work. For more information, see www.hoosieripl.org or contact Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light board member Rev. Lyle McKee at lmckee(at)stlconline.org.