Become an MNIPL Climate Justice Congregation!
Climate Justice Congregations are communities of faith and spiritual practice that are committed to living out their faith and values through effective and sustained action on climate justice.
MNIPL's certification program is a year-long process. We provide resources and support that help you gain the focus and skills to galvanize your community into climate action.
Join a growing number of congregations (see list below!) raising a collective voice and driving faithful action on climate justice.
To get started, fill out our interest form. There is no obligation. This just starts the conversation!
Certified Congregations:
- All Saints Episcopal, Northfield
- Brooklyn Center United Methodist Church
- Christ Episcopal Church, Woodbury
- Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina
- Faith Mennonite, Minneapolis
- First Congregational Church of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- First United Methodist Church, Duluth
- First Universalist Church, Minneapolis
- Gloria Dei Lutheran, St Paul
- Gloria Dei Lutheran, Duluth
- Grace Episcopal, Minneapolis
- The Grove United Methodist Church, Woodbury
- Hamline Church United Methodist, St Paul
- Incarnation Lutheran, Shoreview
- Judson Memorial Baptist, Minneapolis
- Mount Zion Hebrew Congregation, St Paul
- Oak Grove Presbyterian, Bloomington
- Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis
- Prince of Peace Lutheran, Roseville
- Salem Lutheran West, St. Paul
- St. Cloud Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
- St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, St. Paul
- St. Luke Presbyterian, Minnetonka
- Spirit of Peace, Minnetonka
- Temple Israel, Minneapolis
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka
- Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth
- Unity Church-Unitarian, St. Paul
- University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis
- Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park
Here are some of the amazing actions these communites have taken in 2024:
- Hired treaty land consultant to research and report to congregation on history of church property as part of a multi-month land acknowledgment process
- Attained LEED Gold certified status for synagogue building
- Organized an E-Waste recycling event including Christmas lights that involved 100 households
- Created a legislative rapid-response team of 100 members to receive “action alerts” on key legislation
- Engaged Energy Consultant Firm for congregation whole campus energy efficiency audit and made plan for implementing findings including pursuing geothermal heating system to replace aging boilers
- Installed a rooftop solar system on congregation building (3 faith communities)
- Created East Metro Climate Action group that convinced Washington County to create and adopt a climate action plan
- Created 7-week online course using Active Hope curriculum with ‘practice circles’ meeting to address climate despair and move to action
Annual Certification Activities
Below are the activities your community takes to become newly certified or to renew your certification. But you're not on your own! We work with your team each year to map out what will be most helpful.
1) Create or Update an Action Plan
An annual action plan helps you imagine long-term success, name the assets your congregation brings to the movement, and outlines goals for the coming year. Your actions are based on the "three-legged stool" approach, which includes creating practical, systemic, and spiritual/relational goals.
2) Designate a Community Connector
Choose at least one person to serve as a Community Connector. They are the primary liaison between your congregation and MNIPL. If this changes at any time, just let us know!
3) Attend Be the Spark Training
Encourage one or more team members to attend our Be the Spark training. Become better equipped in leading and encouraging others in your community to take deeper climate action.
4) Host a Workshop
Host an MNIPL workshop or custom program. We also encourage your team to attend any of our events, especially our monthly Community Connector webinars.
5) Be a Sustaining Congregation
As you are able, be a Sustaining Congregation with an annual donation of any amount that is meaningful. The suggested level is $500 per year.
6) Share Your Accomplishments
At the end of each program year, we ask that you report your accomplishments. Let's celebrate your successes and the impact of your work!
Success Stories
Communities of faith and spiritual practice all across Minnesota are making a difference with their actions. Read their stories and inspire others by submitting your own community success story!