An Environmental Calling

15 September 2010

California Interfaith Power and Light CC | North America Region

The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham is a visionary Episcopal priest who preaches environmental stewardship as a calling of the faithful. She co-founded California Interfaith Power and Light CC in 2001, the first of what is now a national campaign in 30 states to bring the power of the pulpit to bear on climate change. Its more than 500 congregations around California are changing light bulbs and installing solar panels in their churches, lobbying legislators, and educating parishioners about “low carbon diets.” A survey of 71 member congregations in 2008 found carbon dioxide reductions totaling more than 25 million pounds, the equivalent of taking 2000 passenger cars off the road. Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine profiled Ms. Bingham in a recent series on eco-conscious faith leaders.