This past Saturday, October 30, the Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OCICE) held its annual conference in Newport Beach, California. The event was entitled Caring for Creation. Bishop Swing gave the keynote address, and about 200 people attended, despite the rain. Several workshops were held on different topics, including: habitat gardening with native plants, sustainability in the Orange County community, endangered species, California’s Landmark Clean Energy and Climate Solutions Law (AB 32), and the transition town movement.
One member of the URI community said afterward that he recognizes that “we possess the resources which collectively have the potential to be a significant force in practical changes to climate change. I would recommend that URI explore advertise the transition town movement.”
Another person said that the conference validated the fact that URI works to model the highest and best practices.
One woman sees that the need to energize her Cooperation Circle to initiate programs in creating community gardens and involving children in growing plants and vegetables. The CC is currently focused on the prevention of gun violence.
Another person said he will take action to use native plants and compost around his home, and he will avoid the use of plastic bottles. He felt inspired to discuss the possibility of presenting a similar conference with his Cooperation Circle. In addition, he acknowledged that there are steps that his local church can take to green their facility.
A celebration to honor the earth was held as part of the conference. Music, dance, song and the involvement of young people, brought many to tears. One person said that the songs validated her interfaith work in ways she could never have imagined.
We offer our thanks to Margaret Henke and the OCICE team for all their work that went into producing this event. The purpose of the organization is to educate, raise awareness, and empower people to actively protect and preserve creation through responsible stewardship. There is no doubt Saturday's conference brought them closer to this goal.
