Help fix global warming, interfaith leaders will tell politicians

A group of interfaith leaders this morning are expected to deliver more than 1,000 signatures to Gov. Deval Patrick and House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi to demonstrate the religious community's deep concern for the environment.

The Massachusetts Interfaith Climate Action Network, made up of about 20 Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and other groups are getting involved politically in climate change and other environmental issues to ensure the protection of God’s creation and better help poor people who are likely to bear the brunt of impacts from environmental degradation.

“The twin crises of climate disruption and energy price increases/economic recession compel us to develop creative strategies immediately. The faith community can be a powerful political force when we unite around common purpose and prayerful action," said Bishop Roy "Bud" Cederholm, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The signature drop is part of a campaign by the group, which formed last year, to lobby elected officials to reduce global warming pollution and prioritize renewable enery resources for the Commonwealth.

“Our tradition requires us to preserve and protect our environment – we must find new technologies to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and stop the scourge of global warming,” said Nancy K. Kaufman, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.