Remembering an Environmental Hero: Rev. Woody Bartlett
Written by Codi Norred and originally published on Sept. 30, 2020. Republished on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 2023.
Rev. Woody Bartlett was truly an environmental hero here in Georgia. Sadly, on Monday, September 21, 2020, Woody passed away peacefully at his home. He championed sustainable energy in many faith communities across the state and spent much of his career serving in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. In 2003, Rev. Bartlett and his wife Carol, founded Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) as part of the national Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) network. His impact on the staff of GIPL and faith leaders across Georgia, past and present, was remarkable; here, we offer a series of reflections from a collection of friends and colleagues Rev. Bartlett collaborated with over the years.
Interfaith Power and Light
“With his intellect and all that he accomplished, one would not assume the gentle and generous spirit of Woody. He was surprisingly gracious and had a wonderful sense of humor. We shared the concern for God’s Creation and the responsibility that people of faith have to protect and restore our natural resources. There were not many in the Episcopal church who were willing to preach and teach about climate twenty years ago, but Woody, along with his lovely wife Carol were visionaries and risk-takers. The Georgia Interfaith Power and Light that they built from scratch instantly became a model chapter of the national movement. Besides being colleagues we became good friends and enjoyed some joyful times together. I know that his legacy will live on with Carol, his children and grandchildren, the churches where he served, and the organization that he founded. We’ve lost a true and faithful Christian leader who fought for what he believed was the right thing to do and indeed it was!!! The Bartetts showed me around Atlanta, local parks, and colleges. I met Gerald Durley through them and he is a close friend now too. We went to Spelman College on their Earth Day. We did many things that I cherish from my days with Woody. I learned so much from him.”
—The Rev. Canon Sally G. Bingham, President Emeritus of The Regeneration Project and IPL
“There are only a few who have made such a significant impact on my life, as Woody Bartlett. He literally guided my mission for the environment without any fanfare. He introduced me to the environmental movement and why it was important for me to get involved. I was hesitant to exert much attention to this issue, because my commitment was to the civil/human rights movement. Woody recruited and educated me on the importance of being good stewards for God’s creation. He, in his own infectious manner, convinced me that I needed to consider the mitigation of climate change. I followed his leadership and the direction of my life was redirected. I will always be indebted to Woody and will stay committed to his teachings on the environment. Thank you, Carol, for loaning him to us.”
—Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, Board Chair of IPL
Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) Board
“Rev. Woody Bartlett emanated kindness, integrity, and a deep compassion for all life. He referred to the process of co-founding GIPL with his wife Carol as being “from God.” Answering this call has had a profound impact on not only decreasing carbon emissions from houses of worship in our state but also on people from various spiritual traditions, who have the opportunity to join together to affect positive change. We commit to continuing to grow and nurture your vision of communities of faith coming together in stewardship of Creation.”
—Beth Remmes, Board Co-Chair of GIPL
Previous Executive Directors and leadership of GIPL
“I was the first actual staff member of GIPL, stepping into the unknown as Executive Director of what had until then been an all-volunteer operation, but Woody gave me the chance to grow and thrive. During my five years with GIPL, Woody and Carol both mentored and guided me and provided me with space to help lead the organization in new directions. Woody's passion and energy for the work of GIPL was contagious. He not only started and led IPL's work in Georgia, but inspired and nurtured programs in other states. He was funny, compassionate, and curious, finding wonder in even the seemingly mundane. He truly saw this work as a ministry, which helped me expand my own ideas of ministry and vocation. I would not be where I am today without his and Carol's influence and support, and for that, I am deeply grateful. His life and work live on in the lives of all of those he has touched.”
—The Rev. Dr. Katy Hinman, Executive Director of GIPL, 2004 - 2009
“I would like to tell you [Carol] how much you and Woody have meant to me over the years. I am beyond grateful for having met you two. You and Woody have helped me so much. Woody was a wonderful mentor to me throughout my time at GIPL and throughout the ordination process. The way he modeled being a priest is a big reason I even became a priest. If I could do church and love God's people like Woody did, then I knew I could make a place for myself in the Church. His sense of humor and joy at the world was contagious. You both have helped me be a better person and I am so thankful for both of you.”
Alexis Chase, Executive Director of GIPL, 2009 - 2014
“I don't know the full story as I joined GIPL years later, but from where I sit right now, I can see that Woody had great vision while following his gut. His instincts were that the faith community had a unique role to play in addressing climate change, species extinction, and environmental degradation. He saw that the faith community was not talking about any of these issues enough or even taking bold action. Did he wait for someone else to solve that problem? No, he did not. Not only did he shape the future of GIPL, his vision shaped the whole of National Interfaith Power & Light. For me personally, he created a ministry that checked all the boxes. I had always carried a personal environmental ethic everywhere I went, but it wasn't until I learned of GIPL in 2006 that I saw the possibility of a ministry that drew on so many of my gifts and passions. It was a dream come true when I was invited to join the GIPL team in 2012 and then lead the organization for the last six years. Woody knew this was hard work and he did not shy away from the challenges posed. He gained the attention AND respect of so many in the public square as he, with the GIPL banner, shed light on energy issues as a moral dilemma in Georgia. Woody and Carol both laid the foundation for the energy equity movement that has emerged in these last few years. I always will be grateful for the vision and faithfulness of Rev. Woody Bartlett. His work continues for generations to come.”
—Rev. Kate McGregor Mosley, Executive Director of GIPL, 2014 - 2020
Current Executive Director
“I had the privilege of meeting Rev. Woody Bartlett a handful of times during my tenure at GIPL. He and Carol were supportive of me as soon as I came on staff three years ago, and they have continued to offer their support throughout my tenure. It was truly inspiring to have been in the presence of a man who helped carry forward a vision of a faith-based climate movement here in Georgia. He was respected by everyone he met, and his legacy has inspired clergy and parishioners alike across the nation. I am grateful to have known him, and I am humbled to be in a position to follow in his footsteps. The calling to serve God through seeking climate and environmental justice lives on, and we are all charged with embodying that calling. The world, the state of Georgia, and my own life are truly better because of Rev. Bartlett’s life and work.”
—Codi Norred, M.Div. Executive Director of GIPL, August 2020 - present
Woody was well-loved and a champion to many in both religious circles and the environmental sphere. He was a leader and a friend, and he will be sorely missed. The current GIPL team, Board, and Advisory Council are grateful for his leadership and hope to honor his legacy by continuing to work towards energy equity, love of all Creation, and environmental justice for all. Thank you, Woody—you were truly an environmental hero!
To read the full obituary, click here. We are grateful for all of our blog contributors!