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Faith leaders unite to address climate change concerns

By Elyse Perry

Posted February 6, 2025

Madi Hirschland speaks to gathered faith leaders at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church Feb. 6, 2025.

Madi Hirschland speaks to gathered faith leaders about climate action. (Devan Ridgway/WTIU News)

Pastor Bob Whitaker knows that the Evangelical Church shies away from bold stances on environmental issues. After 26 years as the senior pastor at Christ Community Church in Bloomington, he is motivated to change that narrative — at least locally.

Whitaker is the co-chair of the Bloomington Multi-Faith Alliance, an organization focusing on compassion, peace, social and economic justice, and stewardship of the Earth.

While the first three values are common in religion, protecting the Earth isn't universally acknowledged. Whitaker said his kids inspired him to leverage his position to take a stance on climate action.

“I've got kids, and my kids are the ones that go, ‘Wait, Dad! You got to think about this. This is important, right?’” They're the generation that's moving the rest of us on.”

Whitaker was one of the 24 faith leaders from 19 religious denominations around Bloomington who met at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church to discuss the threats of climate change and ways to combat them.

Although different faiths have varying theologies and may rarely agree with each other, climate change is a common concern for these denominations since they believe they are each called to protect the Earth and help people suffering the consequences.

By taking steps toward environmental change at a leadership level, the faith leaders hope to empower their congregations to make change.

“If you were to add up all the people that are part of those congregations, it would be well over 1000 people,” Whitaker said. “So, if you bring all those people together and energize them around the issue, it goes beyond the walls of the church or the synagogue or the mosque, it goes out into the community.”