Some take the issue of being able to install solar very seriously. Incredibly seriously.
A Unitarian Universalist parish has taken legal action against the town of Bedford, Massachusetts for its Historic District Commission’s denial of their application to install solar panels on its Meetinghouse.
The Church claims the decision “exceeds the authority of the HDC, was legally untenable, unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious and violated the rights of the members of First Parish to the free exercise of their religious beliefs.”
Huh? How so?
As part of their beliefs, Unitarian Universalists have a responsibility to cease practices that add to global warming/climate change and to instigate sustainable alternatives.
“First Parish adheres to this widely held Unitarian Universalist religious belief the Seventh Principle calls upon the faithful to engage in affirmative acts of environmental conservation, and that these acts are essential to their religious practice,” states part of the 25-page filing (PDF).
Amen to that, no arguments from us here.
It seems to be a fairly solid sort of argument and one that could apply to the members of many organised religions; from “mainstream” Catholics to the more, umm, exotic; such as Pastafarians (members of The Church Of The Flying Spaghetti Monster).
The document also records other previous roof alterations made to the Meetinghouse that passed muster with the Historic District Commission; including new shingles, air-conditioning units, paint and new fibreglass louvers in the bell tower.
So, what got up the nose of the HDC that they denied the solar power system application, even when advised a refusal would infringe on religious rights – which is a particularly sensitive issue when it comes to Christianity in the US of A.
First Parish says it takes pride in the historic value of the building (it was built in 1817) and its Eco Taskforce went to lengths to ensure the solar panels would minimize visual impact.
However, according to the minutes (PDF) of the Selectmen’s Meeting in June, the Historic District Commission voted against installing solar panels on the Church as it is “an iconic building in the Town and it is the HDC’s charge to maintain the aesthetics of the town.”
According to RLUIPA Defense, the parish has filed an additional complaint relating to its claims that the Commission’s chairman “arrived at the June 1, 2016 HDC hearing with a previously prepared and distributed motion to deny the Congregation’s application for appropriateness.”
How this battle plays out remains to be seen; but it’s an interesting case that religious and other groups (and perhaps even individuals) should perhaps take note of if they’ve been knocked back from installing solar on their buildings for whatever reason.
