TIPL December 2025 News

Monthly Newsletter December 2025  In November, TIPL Nashville hosted the “Earth Care at Your House of Worship” Conference. Rev. Caleb Haynes with Nazarenes for Creation Care speaking about sustainable practices in the Operations and Events workshop.         In middle Tennessee, over one hundred representatives from close to forty houses of worship along with twenty-five environmental organizations attended a TIPL-Nashville “Earth Care at Your House of Worship” conference. The gathering at Second Presbyterian Church focused on practical steps congregations can take in the areas of energy efficiency, clean energy, care of land, operations, and events. Participants left the conference inspired to start Earth care projects and to collaborate with other congregations and environmental groups. 2025 Highlights Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light  Earth Care in Houses of Worship: The Nashville Chapter recently hosted a summit on Earth Care for Houses of Worship which was attended by over 100 individuals representing around 40 congregations. Workshops were held regarding how houses of worship could implement initiatives in three areas: energy efficiency and clean energy, earth-friendly care of their land, and earth-friendly operations and events. The Knoxville chapter continued their work with the over 40 congregations that had attended workshops on energy efficiency and clean energy the previous years. TIPL was able to secure energy audits from their local utility (KUB). A February workshop addressed how to use the information from an audit to take next steps to improve their energy stewardship. Climate Vigils We have continued our witness for climate protection through our annual climate vigils. These were held in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis this year. The Chattanooga vigil was held recently in conjunction with the international climate talks in Brazil. The Memphis chapter hosted its first ever vigil and Interfaith Earth Day service. Advocacy It has been a particularly challenging time for climate advocacy – but we continue important work. The Knoxville group has been working on the recently released 9-county carbon emissions reduction plan, particularly in the areas of building energy use and transportation. This plan guides a healthier region and provides an action guide for meeting carbon reduction goals. The Chattanooga group continues to provide leadership in engaging local citizens in implementing key portions of their local Climate Action Plan. The Memphis group has been focused on supporting local efforts to oppose pollution and carbon emissions from new and expanding AI facilities in low-income communities. TIPL also continues its advocacy focused on the Tennessee Valley Authority. A particular focus over the past year has been countering any outside proposals for the privatization of TVA. Partnerships TIPL has joined in support and provided leadership for local nonprofit and religious initiatives. These have included a Nashville Home Energy Workshop and the Climate Justice Revival at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga. Rooted in Peace TIPL launched a new initiative this year centered in engaging the climate crisis through spiritual nonviolence. A well-attended workshop was held in Chattanooga this year in partnership with several local religious and community organizations. This was followed up with a series of screenings of films on nonviolence in action. Further workshops and strategic discussions are being planned for 2026. A similar initiative will be launched in Memphis in the new year, with the hope of spreading to further location. Help us continue this good work!             As we look back on these 2025 highlights, it encouraging how much good can happen when people of faith choose to show up, stay present, and care for Creation together. Every workshop, vigil, partnership, and quiet moment of spiritual grounding happened because committed folks believe this shared work matters. As we turn toward 2026, we want to invite you to help sustain and deepen this work with a year-end gift to Tennessee Interfaith Power & Light. Your support makes it possible for us to continue: Encouraging faithful climate advocacy in communities across the state Equipping congregations to practice energy stewardship and Earth care Holding public witness through climate vigils and interfaith gatherings Growing our new spiritual nonviolence initiative, Rooted in Peace Whatever you’re able to give, it helps kindle hope and strengthens the work ahead.   Our finances are managed by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) and checks must be made out to SACE with TIPL in the memo line.   Checks can still be mailed to TIPL at PO Box 26313, Knoxville, TN 37912.  Online donations can be made at www.tennipl.org or click the button below.  Give Today! Knoxville Area Interfaith Power and Light’s own, Courtney Shea, takes home a 2025 Earthkeeper Award! We welcome Holy Trinity Lutheran Church as a new TIPL Partner! 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