The Green Team at St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church in New Jersey received a Greenfaith Certification after a tremendous accomplishment of transforming their faith facility. Greenfaith's Rev. Fletcher Harper (Blessed Tomorrow leader), shared, "St. Bernard's is now one of some 70 faith-based organizations to have completed the program and experienced the transformation that comes from sharing a religious commitment to protecting God’s creation." Answering the call of Genesis to steward His garden, St. Bernard's Head Priest, Rev. Dr. Franklin E. Vilas, spoke not only of the value in adopting environmentally sound practices but the moral imperative to do so.
The certification program offered by Greenfaith challenges churches, mosque, synagogues and temples to explore aspects of creation in all areas. From starting community gardens to installing LED lights, Greenfaith facilities must meet a stringent set of requirements to be considered for the certification.
Stephen Galpin Jr., St. Bernard's Green Team leader has also instated interfaith retreats in which children are shown the inherent relationship between their ecosystem and the scripture of God.
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Bernardsville church achieves environmental certification
BERNARDSVILLE - St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church, 88 Claremont Road, been awarded GreenFaith Certification, the country’s only interfaith environmental certification program for houses of worship.
To obtain certification the church had to fulfill a series of actions and commitments required under a rigorous two-year program.
The Rev. Fletcher Harper, executive director of GreenFaith, congratulated St. Bernard’s and its Green Team at services at the church on Sunday, Oct. 25, presenting a banner to highlight the achievement.
"St. Bernard’s can be proud of having completed this challenging and important certification process," he said. "St. Bernard's is now one of some 70 faith-based organizations to have completed the program and experienced the transformation that comes from sharing a religious commitment to protecting God’s creation.
