Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! Yes, it is February however, this is the first ED Newsletter of the year so I think the greeting is appropriate. I wish you all abundant blessings in 2022.

After the tremendous success of our AGM & 20th Anniversary Celebration in October, we listened to your feedback and developed more events and communications initiatives to keep you informed about the impact of the programs in our network. You will receive this newsletter bi-monthly. Please enjoy reading below and please feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments with me.

We are especially grateful to those who have been our supporters from FCGs inception. Thank you for continuing to believe in the work we do. Thank you for being part of our network working together for the common good to build a more resilient and sustainable Canada.

In gratitude...

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Indigenous Canada – FCG Network Study Group

FCG is committed to participating in Education for Reconciliation as outlined in the TRCA Calls to Action by doing our own work. As part of our reconciliACTION, we have begun hosting a bi-weekly discussion group for Indigenous Canada, an online course that is offered by the University of Alberta. Our community began by reflecting on the first module of the program – learning the significance of stories and storytelling in Indigenous societies as well as learning about history from Indigenous worldviews of the Inuit, Nehiyawak, Kanien:keha’ka and Tlingit peoples. We are still accepting new participants up until February 14. Please contact Network Coordinator, Elyse at [email protected].

MLSM Canada – Eco-Investment Accelerator Toolkit

With MLSM Canada, we launched the Catholic Eco-Investment Accelerator Toolkit for climate justice. This guide is designed for faith-based institutions to align their investments with their mission and vision, in light of the global climate crisis. It guides divestment from fossil fuels in favour of sustainable investments and a broader understanding of profitable returns.

While referencing Catholic teachings, the toolkit is for any institution seeking to align investments with the moral and financial challenge of climate change expressed by Pope Francis. It also offers opportunities to respond to a truly Canadian concern: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92 through partnership with Indigenous businesses.

Greening Canadian Mosques

The Greening Canadian Mosques (GCM) program with EnviroMuslims continues into phase 3, thanks to renewed funding from Olive Tree Foundation. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and is a call to action for Canadian Muslims to tread softly on the planet and rethink their impacts on the natural environment. 

GCM’s wonderful group of Community Ambassadors from across Canada have been helping to engage mosques in committing to climate action, supported by the program’s resources, action plans, and inspiring case studies. Contact Saba at [email protected] to learn more.

 GCM Ambassadors

Greening Sacred Spaces – London

Our newest Chapter, GSS London, is working hard to line up green teams and promote energy conservation within London faith communities. They hold meetings on the 21st day of each month. February’s meeting will include a presentation called Energy Audit: The First Step to Greening Sacred Spaces. Click here to register and learn more. GSS London is also seeking diverse faith communities to join them in creating a network of pollinator gardens. If you are interested in participating in this project, please send an email to [email protected].

Greening Sacred Spaces – Ottawa 

Our oldest Chapter, GSS Ottawa, has been busy preparing for the wrap-up of its 3-year Energy Benchmarking Program. Registration to receive an annual energy benchmarking report has officially closed with a total participation of 48 Ottawa-based faith communities involved in the program. In December 2021, GSS Ottawa was pre-approved to receive a grant of $90K to help install 18 level-2 EV charging stations, for up to 12 different locations in Ottawa. Six different faith communities are currently working through this ongoing application process, gathering estimates from contractors throughout January.

Greening Sacred Spaces – Halton-Peel  

In celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, our Halton-Peel chapter, Halton Environmental Network (HEN), hosted an interfaith breakfast in collaboration with Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and the Interfaith Council of Peel. Join HEN during Halton Food's Halton Garden Week February 24-27.

Faithful Footprints 

FCG is proud to be the delivery partner for the United Church of Canada (UCC) Faithful Footprints program that offers grants, tools and inspiration to help its congregations reduce their carbon footprint. With UCC’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2050, this one of a kind program offers up to $30,000 in grants towards energy conservation and renewable energy projects (conditions apply). You can keep up to date with the program by visiting the Grants Map and Energy Data Map. Your participation in the program puts your faith into action and helps UCC reach its target.

Taking Action on Climate Change: An Interfaith Conversation – A World Interfaith Harmony Week Virtual Event

FCG hosted Taking Action on Climate Change: An Interfaith Conversation, during World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW). A UN Resolution, WIHW recognizes “the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.”

Over 100 participants joined us to hear speakers who shared how their faith's environmental stewardship beliefs have empowered their climate actions. Speakers included Roop Sidhu, President at EcoSikh, Areej Riaz, Director of Climate Programs at EnviroMuslims, Agnes Richard, Coordinator at Mouvement Laudato Si’ Movement Canada and Sabrina Malach, Director of Engagement at Shoresh (via a pre-recorded interview).

FCG Monthly Network Meetings

Interested in learning more about what's happening across our national network? The FCG community meets on the first Tuesday of every month to connect, share upcoming events, and useful resources. We learn from and are inspired by one another. Join the conversation! Contact Elyse at [email protected].

Seeking a New Board Member

Do you believe that our diverse faith and spiritual communities can be a force for good? Are you passionate about protecting our environment for future generations? Do you enjoy contributing to multi-cultural, multi-faith, grass-roots environments? FCG is seeking another Board Member from a non-Christian background. Learn more here.

Did you like what you read? 

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