Faith Climate Action Day unites Vermont's religious communities for climate advocacy

Annual event brings together diverse faith groups to engage with lawmakers on environmental policy

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In Montpelier, Vermont, the first-ever Earth Vigil capped off the annual Faith Climate Action Day, an event organized by Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL) that draws faith-based activists to the State House to learn about climate policy and directly lobby lawmakers. The vigil featured hymns, prayers, and speeches from Vermont religious leaders who believe their faith traditions compel them to advocate for environmental stewardship and climate action.

Why it matters

This event highlights the growing role of faith communities in the climate change movement, as religious groups seek to bring their unique moral and spiritual perspectives to bear on environmental policy. By partnering with secular environmental organizations, these faith-based activists aim to bridge the divide between science and religion and mobilize a diverse coalition to push for climate action at the state level.

The details

The Faith Climate Action Day event included poster-making, legislative information sessions, and meetings with lawmakers. This year, organizers added the new Earth Vigil component, where attendees held signs, lit candles, and listened to Vermont faith leaders speak about the moral imperative of environmental protection. The event drew around 20 people, including representatives from groups like Vermont Interfaith Action, VPIRG, 350Vermont, and the Vermont Natural Resources Council.

  • The first-ever Earth Vigil took place on Thursday evening, February 20, 2026.
  • Faith Climate Action Day has been an annual event since 2020, organized by Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL).

The players

Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL)

A faith-based organization that educates different religious communities on environmental stewardship and hosts the annual Faith Climate Action Day event.

Vermont Interfaith Action

A partner organization that collaborated with VTIPL to host the Faith Climate Action Day event.

Sen. Anne Watson

A Democratic state senator from Washington County who spoke at the Earth Vigil and discussed climate-related legislation with the attendees.

Alissa Klar

A member of the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe synagogue who believes her faith tradition's emphasis on environmental preservation is crucial to climate advocacy.

Rev. Don Chatfield

A faith leader from All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne who spoke at the Earth Vigil about the moral imperative of environmental policy.

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What they’re saying

“We are a unique group with a unique voice.”

— Ron McGarvey, President of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (Community News Service)

“I think the concept of, 'We don't own the planet. We're just here to preserve it for the future...' crosses through every religion. It's definitely in the forefront of Judaism.”

— Alissa Klar, Member of the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe synagogue (Community News Service)

“Environmental policy is not only economic policy, it is moral policy.”

— Rev. Don Chatfield, Faith leader from All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne (Community News Service)

“My political work here in this building is really about how I can better be a person who is a vehicle for God's love.”

— Sen. Anne Watson (Community News Service)

What’s next

The organizers of Faith Climate Action Day plan to continue hosting the annual event, with the Earth Vigil becoming a new tradition to cap off the day's activities. They will also likely continue their advocacy efforts at the state legislature, pushing for climate-friendly policies that align with their faith-based values.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the growing influence of faith-based activism in the climate change movement, as religious communities seek to bring their moral and spiritual perspectives to bear on environmental policy. By bridging the divide between science and religion, these faith-based groups are building a diverse coalition to drive climate action at the state level.