Interfaith Walk Q and A

What is the Walk for Climate Rescue?

This event, sponsored by Religious Witness for Earth, is an organized nine day walk across the state of Massachusetts to call attention to the urgent and ethical need for swift, bold, and comprehensive action to address global warming.

Why an Interfaith Walk?

People of all religious faiths, those who identify as "spiritual but not religious," and anyone else who wishes to demonstrate care for the earth and its most vulnerable inhabitants, are invited to join together to walk for swift, bold, and comprehensive political action to respond to the challenge of global warming.

By walking each day and holding inspirational interfaith programs each evening, we will focus public attention on the moral urgency of comprehensive public policy to reduce greenhouse gases.

This most global of problems demands leadership from every level of government. Such leadership continues to lag far behind public awareness. Following the warmest year on record across the United States, we walk in faith, hope, and love to ask our leaders to lead.

Where and how far will we walk?

The walk will begin in Northampton, MA, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Northampton. We will walk through Amherst, Worcester, Wellesley, Newton and Cambridge, as well as other towns. We will walk an average of 13 miles a day, and stay at local houses of worship. The Walk will culminate in Climate Rescue Day, an interfaith service and rally in Boston on Saturday, March 24, 2007.

Do I have to walk the whole time?

No, we welcome anyone who wants to walk with us for any length of time: an hour, a day, a weekend, as well as the entire nine days! However, we do ask that all participants register beforehand and check-in at the designated starting point the morning they plan to walk. Daily designated starting and ending locations will be posted as soon as confirmed with host facilities.

What does "Interfaith Walk" mean?

This walk is non-sectarian and non-partisan. People of all faiths will be represented, and people with no religious affiliation who wish to demonstrate care for the earth are most welcome.

When we walk we will carry banners and an American flag. Every walker will sign a pledge of conduct, including a commitment to nonviolence.

We will start and end each day with prayer, meditation, or silence. Each evening we will offer a program on climate change, including discussion, prayer, and singing, at our host house of worship. Walk activities will culminate in Boston with an interfaith service and rally.

Do I have to fundraise for this walk?

The primary purpose of this Walk is to raise awareness and encourage political action, not to raise funds. However, there are costs associated with this event, and walkers are asked to make a daily donation of $20, if able, to help cover the costs of organizing the walk. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Religious Witness for Earth gratefully welcomes donations from organizations and individuals who would like to help financially support this important event.

What's the relationship between this Interfaith Walk and Step It Up 2007, the national day of climate action April 14?

We're friends and allies who share the same vision and goals! The two events are complementary and synergistic. If you're joining any part of the Walk, use it as a springboard for action in your home community April 14. And if you're planning an April 14 event in Massachusetts, come to the March 24 rally in Boston, and we'll announce your event to the crowd.

The Interfaith Walk is sponsored by Religious Witness for the Earth.