Knowing Joy by Caring for the Earth
Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassadors continue to lead the way on climate action. They inspire us in all of their unique ways of caring for our planet. When the Blessed Tomorrow team started to put together the film series, Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities, we looked for faith leaders from across the country leading on climate. When we realized that 13 of them were BT Climate Ambassadors we were not surprised.
Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities, a 7-part short film series designed for faith communities, highlights over 30 powerful voices of Christian, Muslim, Indigenous, Baha’i, and Jewish faith leaders from 14 states including clergy, youth leaders, and interfaith organizers, who are leading with hope, compassion, and courage. Each of them shared their own stories about creation care and climate action to inspire viewers. Three of BT Ambassadors shared about their experiences filming, what they hope viewers take away from watching the films, and what inspired them to become a Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador in the first place!
While Gabrielle Irle from Washington State (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) was a bit hesitant to say ‘yes’ to filming the series, they found telling their story through the film really fired them up and reminded them not only of the wisdom of young people, but their own wisdom as well. Valarie Atwood from Texas (Bahá’í Faith) said the film series deepened her awareness of the numerous people of faith around the country taking climate action and leading in their local communities! Sue Blythe from Florida (Bahá’í Faith) added, she was grateful someone cared about the musical storytelling she has been developing for years.
Gabrielle hopes people will leave the film series knowing joy exists in caring for the Earth. They pointed out the work can be heavy, slow and tiresome but it can also be beautiful, sacred and fun. Valarie hopes viewers will leave the film with a recognition of their own path to addressing the climate crisis. She encourages people to stop worrying about whether their efforts are ‘enough’ and realize every single step matters. Sue hopes viewers will take away a vision for a sustainable, just, and peaceful future.
Gabrielle, Valarie, and Sue shared what inspired them to become a Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador. Gabrielle said they talked about climate change everyday working for Lutherans Restoring Creation and the Climate Ambassador Training has become a useful tool in their toolbox. It has equipped them to deliver climate information as a story instead of a lecture. Valarie said she often sensed she was missing a link between her care for creation and her spiritual life. When she heard of the Climate Ambassador Training, she recognized she could bridge this gap. Sue said she was delighted to find a network of people who have a spiritual and scientific dimension of climate change. Become a Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Today!
Additional Resources:
- Become a Climate Ambassador
- Group Model of Climate Ambassador
- Access the Film Series
- Lutherans Restoring Creation
About the Author:
Kate Summers, Blessed Tomorrow Faith + Climate Associate
Additional Resources:
Watch the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum
Watch the 2026 American Climate Leadership Awards
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023