On March 29th, over 130 Iowans made their way to Grinnell College for a powerful convergence of faith, hope, and climate action. Our Called to Climate Action conference brought together people of diverse faith and spirituality, backgrounds, and communities to explore how spiritual values can inspire and energize meaningful climate action.
Through compelling workshops, inspiring speakers, and intentional relationship-building, our conference fostered a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. At the heart of the day was a clear and urgent message: climate justice is a calling—one that people of faith in Iowa like you are ready to answer.
A Faith-Fueled Climate Movement
The energy at Called to Climate Action was unmistakable and contagious. From the opening session to the final moments, participants leaned into the idea that climate change is a deeply spiritual one.
Keynote speaker Rev. Melanie Mullen set the tone with an impassioned address that emphasized the interconnectedness of ecojustice, racial justice, and economic sustainability.
“The ‘Called To Action’ gathering demonstrated the powerful intersection of faith and climate justice in action,” said Rev. Mullen. “What struck me most was seeing farmers, faith leaders, and activists unite around shared visions for Iowa’s renewable energy future. From conversations about expanding our wind energy infrastructure to supporting green innovation in our agricultural communities, attendees were clearly ready to build on Iowa’s leadership.”
Rev. Mullen also praised Iowa Faith & Climate Network for creating a space where faith-driven climate work is not only accepted but celebrated. “Climate justice is racial justice,” she said, reminding the crowd that Iowa’s position as a leader in both agriculture and renewable energy gives the state a unique and vital role in addressing climate change.
Workshops That Empowered and Inspired
Our conference featured five hands-on workshops, each offering practical tools and reflective insights for those looking to make change in their own communities. Topics ranged from organizing for climate action and telling agricultural climate stories, to understanding land stewardship from an Indigenous perspective and deepening faith-based climate language.
Rev. Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, who led the workshop on theological framing, was struck by the eagerness and honesty participants brought into the space.
“I could tell in my workshop that participants were eager to connect with one another, to share stories of how they and their faith communities are already prioritizing climate justice, and to learn from one another,” she reflected. “I was heartened to hear faith leaders resourcing one another in light of the challenges they face communicating about climate concerns in their congregations. Faith communities in Iowa are already doing a lot to connect their faith with climate action. It’s exciting to be part of a movement that is building!”
It was clear from every breakout room: Iowans aren’t waiting for someone else to lead—they’re already doing the work.
Grounded in Local Action
Whether from small rural towns or larger urban congregations, attendees arrived with stories of how their communities are showing up for climate justice.
Rob Hogg, Board Chair of Iowa Faith & Climate Network and longtime climate advocate, offered a powerful reminder that local leadership is thriving.
“Iowans from small and large communities across the state feel called to climate action and are providing leadership and practical solutions on farms, at businesses, and through their houses of worship,” he said. He pointed to his own church, Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids, which installed a 45-kilowatt solar power system just this past year.
That kind of tangible action—rooted in values and driven by love for neighbors and our planet—is what the conference sought to amplify.
Lisa Whalen, Executive Director of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and co-leader of a workshop on community organizing, echoed that sentiment.
“The Called To Climate Action conference gave us inspiration and new tools that we can use to make Iowa a better place for all of us and future generations,” she said. “The turnout and energy at this event speaks volumes about Iowans’ hunger to take action for the people and places we love.”
A Movement Gaining Momentum
Called to Climate Action wasn’t just a day of learning—it was a launchpad for Iowa Faith & Climate Network’s renewed statewide movement. People left with new relationships, a deepened sense of purpose, and a growing network to support their work.
At Iowa Faith & Climate Network, that momentum is intentional. Through nurturing leadership, offering practical resources, and connecting people of diverse faith and spirituality across traditions and geographies, we are helping Iowans answer the call to climate action—together.
The message that wove through every session, conversation, and closing prayer was this: no one is alone. Across the state, people of diverse faith and spirituality are acting, organizing, and reimagining a more just and sustainable future for Iowa—and beyond.