Williamstown First Congregation Looks at Carbon Divestment
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — First Congregational Church will consider the issues of institutional and private divestment from carbon-based companies at events on Sunday, Feb. 22, and Sunday, March 1.
Divestment is one of a number of responses to a deep concern about global climate change intensified by human activities that release carbon into the atmosphere.
At the 10 a.m. service on Feb. 22, the Rev. James Antal, president of the United Church of Christ Massachusetts Conference, will preach on "Moving Toward a Lasting Foundation Through Divestment." The UCC has divested nationally and in the state.
Following the service and a period for coffee, at 11:20 in Fellowship Hall, state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing will join Antal in a panel discussion "Divest: Dispatch from the Faith Community and the Legislative Frontlines." Downing is sponsor of a bill to divest the state's pension funds.
A panel on March 1, also at 11:20 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, will discuss "Divest/Re-invest: Fossil Fuel Free." Members of the panel from Divest Williams College are Sara Vukelich and Erica Change; Chloe Kuh of the Green Century Funds; and Gary Stoller of 350MA.org's Berkshire Node.
These free events are part of the 2nd Hour @ the Meetinghouse series at the 250-year-old church covering a wide range of topics. No affiliation with the church is required to participate.
The church is located on Main Street; Fellowship Hall is to the rear of the sanctuary. Parking may be found behind the building, and along the Chapin Hall Drive curb next to the church.
For further information, contact Lauren Stevens or Elizabeth Smith the church website.
