By Lou Stagnitto
In Salem, Oregon, at First United Methodist Church, David Cox sat amongst familiar faces in his adult Sunday school class. Over the years, their discussions often gravitated towards the escalating climate emergency. While they regularly expressed concern about the absence of urgent climate action globally, it was David who voiced a pivotal realization: “We had to confront ourselves, questioning why we weren’t part of the solution.”
Through this reflection, the foundation of the Interfaith Solar Campaign was cemented. Recognizing their role as stewards of God’s Earth, David and his fellow parishioners embarked on their solar journey.
Today, Interfaith Solar Campaign extends their expertise and vision to all houses of worship, supporting them towards a sustainable and enlightened path for their own congregations. These efforts are focused on putting solar panels on qualifying roofs of faith communities and are part of a larger strategy to motivate climate action among church and community members.
As congregations solarize their buildings, they communicate a message of tangible action that is needed and thus motivate others in their congregations and communities to action.
Building Partnerships
The campaign to extend David’s group’s initial success to churches all over Oregon started when two dedicated volunteers, John Pitney and Lou Stagnitto, were determined to take it to the next level. Recognizing the potential of uniting individuals with shared passions and varied resources, they approached the campaign as a “proof of concept” pilot. Their vision was to use it as a blueprint by collaborating with churches within the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the UMC. After nearly three years of testing and refinement, the campaign now partners with houses of worship from diverse faiths across both Oregon and Washington, assisting them in their transition to solar energy.
The Campaign relies on partners, including solar contractors and financing specialists, construction management, the Oregon-Idaho Conference, and District Extension Societies. Through this multi-partner relationship, our organization has facilitated the installation of solar panels at three churches in just two years. Additionally, over 40 other congregations are currently in various stages of deliberation and advancement regarding solar adoption.
Having tested this approach, and used lessons learned along the way to improve, we are now ready to broaden our outreach. Conferences interested in hearing about how we motivate churches to decide on solar are encouraged to join us at the October Creation Justice Movement Café.
Our offering includes consultation on engaging with large denominational systems for support and rresources, as well as guidance on how to help these religious communities agree to solar. We will describe our approach and results, and we hope to inspire you to participate with the Interfaith Solar Campaign.
We invite your input and questions, and hope to see you at the Movement Café.
Lou Stagnitto is Program Director for Oregon Interfaith Solar Campaign.