Orange County Interfaith Environmental Conference Set for Oct. 30

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 28, 2010 - The Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OCICE) has announced its 2010 Caring for Creation Conference will be held Oct. 30 at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.

The day will feature a keynote address by Bishop William Swing titled, "Is Environmentalism a Religion?" Swing is the retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California and president and founder of the United Religions Initiative.

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will also feature morning and afternoon workshops, exhibitors, continental breakfast, lunch, and an Earth Celebration. Attendees can choose from the following six workshops:

- "Habitat Gardening with Native Plants," Reginald Durant, Back to Natives Restoration
- "The Present State of the O.C. Sustainability Community," Montgomery Norton, Paradigm Solutions Development
- "National Security and Endangered Species," Dr. Tom English, TESSI Endangered Species Institute
- "Make a Difference 101," Author Sande Hart
- "California's Landmark Clean Energy and Climate Solutions Law (AB 32): Opportunities and Threats," Dan Kalb, Union of Concerned Scientists
- "Transition Town Laguna Beach: A Founding Member's Story of Personal and Communal Transformation," Michelle McCormick, Transition Town Laguna Beach

"The urgency of the problems facing all of us has never been greater yet the will continues to elude us," said Margaret Henke, OCICE co-chair. "Reverend Swing's address on the need for environmental repentance and redemption is timely. We look forward to a hopeful and inspiring day."

Cost is $35 for the day or $20 for students, seniors, and clergy. To register, please visit www.ocice.org or contact OCICE at ecofaith@ocice.org for more information.

The Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment educates, raises awareness, and empowers people to actively protect and preserve Creation through responsible stewardship.