Diocese asks churches to turn down the heat

KEENE, N.H. — New Hampshire's Episcopal Diocese is asking its churches to turn down the heat, following the lead of a church in Keene that plans to use its own savings to help families that are having trouble paying heating bills.

The Rev. Peter Coffin will turn off the heat in the sanctuary of St. James Episcopal Church during February. He plans to hold services in a common room that would be heated anyway.

Bishop V. Gene Robinson suggested that other parishes do the same as Coffin.

Coffin estimates the church will save up to $1,000, which it plans to donate to families in need. But money was not the only factor in the decision, Coffin said.

The war in Iraq also plays a part, because the politics of the Middle East are driven by oil, said Coffin, who drives a hybrid car with a bumper sticker linking gasoline use to Osama bin Laden.

"In theory, we're all supposed to be conserving here at home so we're not as dependent on energy from outside sources," he said.