How do we stay true to our faith and values in the face of a changing climate?
How can faith communities be at the forefront of sustainability and environmental restoration?

These are the questions we’ll explore at the Faith & Waters Restoration Forum on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center in Columbia, MD.

This special gathering, hosted by Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC), will bring together faith leaders, environmental advocates, and community members for an evening of connection, action, and inspiration. At the heart of the event is a powerful keynote conversation with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a world-renowned climate scientist, Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, and a leading voice on the intersection of faith and climate action.

Why Katharine Hayhoe?

Dr. Hayhoe has spent years bridging the gap between science and faith, helping people of all backgrounds understand that climate action is not just a scientific necessity but also a moral imperative. As the best-selling author of Saving Us and host of the PBS series Global Weirding, she has a gift for translating complex climate science into meaningful conversations that inspire real change.

Her message is clear: Faith and science are not at odds, but rather, faith compels us to act. In her past presentations, Dr. Hayhoe has emphasized that caring for the planet is an act of love—for our neighbors, for future generations, and for all of Creation.

But how do we ensure our values guide us in responding to climate change?

Faith communities, like organizations, must be anchored in their values to lead effectively. Without shared values, our efforts can become scattered, reactive, and uncertain—like a rudderless ship adrift at sea. To stay on course, we must:

  • Clarify the values that shape our response—whether it’s stewardship, justice, or love for creation.
  • Embody these values in our daily choices and community efforts.
  • Communicate them clearly and often, ensuring they shape decisions, policies, and initiatives.
  • Support one another in upholding these values, recognizing that collective action has power.
  • Hold ourselves accountable—do our actions reflect what we say we believe?
  • Celebrate and elevate examples of faith communities making a difference.

Dr. Hayhoe’s keynote at the Faith & Waters Restoration Forum, Living Our Values: A Conversation on Climate Action, will help us explore how faith communities can lead with their values in the face of environmental challenges.

What to Expect

The evening will kick off with a welcome from Meenal Harankhedkar, IPC Executive Director, followed by remarks from Timothy Lattimer of the Howard County Office of Community Sustainability, who will share insights on the county’s efforts to promote environmental resilience and how faith communities can play a vital role.

Following Dr. Hayhoe’s keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to join regional hub gatherings, where you can connect with others from your region, share ideas, and collaborate on future initiatives. This forum is more than just a discussion—it’s a launchpad for real, local action.

Be Part of the Movement

Faith communities have a unique and powerful role to play in restoring our shared waters and protecting the planet. By gathering together, we strengthen our collective voice and take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.

RSVP Today! Secure your spot at this FREE event, help us spread the word, and join us in learning, connecting, and committing to action.

We’re also looking for volunteers to help make this event a success! If you’re available to assist with event check-in starting at 5:00 PM or other event logistics, we’d love your support. Your time and effort will help create a welcoming and seamless experience for all attendees. Let us know if you can lend a hand by emailing Natalie Johnson at [email protected]!

A special thanks to our sponsors and funders for making this event possible:

If your organization would like to support this event, please reach out to Natalie Johnson at [email protected].

Together, we can turn faith into action and protect the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come. We hope to see you there!