We’re All in This Together
What people of faith can really do about climate change
By Rev. Richard Killmer
I have talked with lots of people of faith in Maine who are looking for ways to work for an end to the climate crisis. They have no doubt that climate change is real. In 2024, Americans have seen excessive heat, Category 5 hurricanes, destructive wild fires, floods, and draughts.
All religions affirm that their believers have a responsibility to care for all people and all of creation, especially the hungry, the poor, and those with disabling conditions. Similarly, religious leaders of all faiths call on their members to care for the earth. Many of us paid attention to Pope Francis I as he reminded us that we are responsible for caring for our planet.
One fairly simple task that congregants can do is to reduce the greenhouse gases that they emit into the atmosphere. That can be done by relying on the sun to produce electricity and not using energy that has been produced by burning fossil fuels. Think coal, natural gas, or oil. It is those fossil fuels that wind up in the atmosphere that lead to the destruction caused by climate change.
Solar Faithful

Solar Faithful is a 501-c3 non-profit organization in Michigan. They brins expertise and financing to help houses of worship with solar energy either through solar panels on roofs or ground mounts.
In Fairfield, Maine, Solar Faithful is building a community solar array for congregants of any religion who live in the Central Maine Power service area. And the amazing news is there is no upfront cost for congregants.
In addition, Solar Faithful also guarantees that those congregants of any faith who sign up will save between 10% and 15% on their electric bill. People of faith are called to care for those who are low-income. So people who belong to low-income congregations are the priorities of this project. This is a group that has often been left out of other community solar projects.
We invite you to participate in the Maine Congregant Solar Project. If you join, you will reduce the greenhouse gases that you emit. And you will contribute to reducing the harm caused by climate change.
For more information, contact Solar Faithful at richardlkillmer@gmail.com. Solar Faithful will offer information sessions on its work beginning this spring
Rev. Richard Killmer is a retired Presbyterian minister who lives in Yarmouth.