At “Faith and Environment,” the national conference for Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC), the William Gibson Award for Institutional Leadership in Environmental Justice was awarded to Montreat Conference Center. The award, which recognizes Montreat Conference Center for its leadership in environmental stewardship and justice in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), was presented by PRC Executive Committee member Bob Remsburg. President Pete Peery and Vice President for Development Bill Straughan accepted on behalf of the conference center. “The conference center,” read Remsburg as he made the presentation, “under the leadership of President Pete Peery and the Board of Trustees, has endeavored creative, forward-thinking initiatives that reflect reverence for God’s creation that will promote and inspire environmental responsibility and reverence to visitors and employees alike through their involvement with the conference center.” He went on to note a few of the many environmental projects undertaken and implemented by the conference center over the past several years, including a 2,500 acre wilderness conservation easement; the use of more local foods and a healthier menu for guests; and the purchase of an electric vehicle for transportation needs within the conference center. In addition, Montreat Conference Center is currently considering a proposal for a solar water heating system.
PRC, a national, grassroots organization founded in 1995 to support people of faith working toward “environmental wholeness with social justice,” presents the William Gibson Award annually. Montreat Conference Center joins a list of institutional recipients that also includes Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, Solana Beach, CA; Trinity Presbyterian Church, Harrisonburg, VA; the Synod of Living Waters; Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, Little Rock, AR; and Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC.
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