A two-day Faith Forum took place Oct. 16-17 in Richmond, bringing together spiritual leaders and environmental experts to equip religious communities with tools to address climate change.

The event, co-hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Church in the Public Square, Second Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Union Presbyterian Seminary and Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, occurred as Virginia grappled with the aftermath of recent extreme weather events.

“Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a moral one,” said Faith Harris, executive director of Virginia Interfaith Power and Light.

Keynote speakers Norman Wirzba and Melanie Harris explored how spiritual leaders could motivate their communities to embrace environmental justice and stewardship.

Ann Jurczyk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation emphasized the urgency of the gathering.

“As climate threats intensify, it’s crucial for faith leaders to guide their communities in building resilience,” she said.

The forum was held at Second Presbyterian Church on Oct. 16 and Union Presbyterian Seminary on Oct. 17, offering participants a chance to network and develop practical strategies for a more sustainable future. Organizers hoped the event would spark a new wave of climate activism rooted in faith communities across Virginia.