![]() Saturday, September 23, people of faith gathered at 11:30am at John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Bridgeton, Missouri to learn about some of the most wounded parts of God's creation in the greater St. Louis area. We gathered with urgency to learn, pray, and call for action to protect our communities' health and safety. While Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt has said that cleaning up toxic Superfund sites is one of his top priorities, the Trump Administration's proposed budget would cut the EPA's Superfund remediation budget by more than 30 percent. Failure to prioritize resources for cleaning up toxic messes has had devastating impacts on our drinking water, air, and communities' health. According to the landmark Toxic Waste and Race study by the United Church of Christ, communities of color bear an unjust burden of having toxic sites nearby, contributing to racial disparities in health problems such as asthma and cancer. If we don't invest in cleaning up now, matters will only get worse. This event was one in a series. See information about Superfund Prayer Tours in Dayton, Ohio on September 24 and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 30. This blog post was last updated on September 25, 2017. The tour began with a lunch briefing on Superfund sites in the St. Louis area. We heard remarks and were led in prayer by several local community leaders, and we visited the WestLake Superfund site for prayer and reflection. We especially held in prayer those who are suffering cancer related to their exposure to environmental toxins. Participants in the event included religious sisters, clergy, seminarians, students, local community members, and people who work at or near WestLake Landfill. This prayer event highlighted the need to protect communities from toxic pollution, and we urge Congress to fully fund the EPA and its Superfund Program. SPEAKERS AND PRAYER LEADERS ![]() The Rev. Dr. John Shear has been the pastor of JCPC for 14 years. Prior to that he served two other churches in the St. Louis Area. He has a BA in Political Science from the University of Missouri St. Louis and both an MDIV and DMIN from Eden Theological Seminary. Before his work in direct ministry, Pastor John served as an elected official in St. Louis County, representing one-seventh of the county. His district happened to include those sites effected by radioactive contamination in the North County Area and as a County Councilman he worked to get the Federal Government off the idea of building a storage bunker in North County and instead encapsulating this contamination for shipment to the rock burial in the western states. Rev. Shear is married to Rev. Jackie Havis-Shear, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. They have a blended family of six children, five grandchildren, one cat and two dogs. ![]() Dawn Chapman (pictured left) is a mother of three special needs children and co-founder of Just Moms STL, to fight for environmental justice and downwinder status. Just Moms wants the complete removal of radiation from the West Lake landfill and for the EPA to take responsibility and buy out families that live one mile from the perimeter of the landfill. Dawn wants to see a safe and permanent clean up of radiation from the West Lake Landfill. Karen Nickel (pictured right) is a wife, mother and grandmother doing everything she can to protect her children and community from radioactive waste. She is the founder of the the West Lake Landfill Facebook group, and Co-founder of Just Moms STL. Karen grew up exposed to the radioactive Coldwater Creek site, and for the past twenty years, she has lived 1.8 miles away from the West Lake – Bridgeton Landfill Superfund Site. For Karen, working with Just Moms is what “SHE HAS TO BE” doing to protect her family and future generations. ![]() Sister Corlita Bonnarens, RSM is a native St. Louisan and a Sister of Mercy. She graduated with an MA degree from the Institute in Creation Centered Spirituality, and also has an MA degree in Art. She has ministered for over 30 years at Mercy Center in St. Louis, inviting people in retreats & workshops to integrate art, spirituality and justice with creation through praying and creating with clay & watercolor experiences. Sr. Corlita has created 25 watercolor images that depict sacred moments of the Universe that are in packets for use in the ritual of a Cosmic Walk. She is artist, teacher, spiritual director and ecologist. She has initiated the planting of over 100 trees on the grounds of Mercy Center, planting a pollinator garden of native wildflowers on 5 acres of ground, as well as inviting 2 beekeepers to install beehives at Mercy Center. Sr. Corlita is a founding member of the Intercommunity Ecological Council of Women Religious in St. Louis, MO. ![]() Sister Jeanne Derer, FSM is a Franciscan Sister of Mary residing in St. Louis, MO. She is an artist and an advocate for our common home and our common good. She has been faithfully co-organizing prayer vigils near the WestLake Landfill Superfund site every second and fourth Wednesday of every month. ![]() Jennifer Reyes-Lay is a board member for Creation Justice Ministries, representing the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. She serves as Assistant Director for the Congregational Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Office of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. She is also a student at Eden Theological Seminary. LEARN ABOUT A FEW OF THE SUPERFUND SITES NEAR ST. LOUIS, MO
Check the EPA website and map for Superfund, brownfield, etc. at https://www.epa.gov/cleanups/cleanups-my-community WestLake Landfill Superfund Site The Big River Mine Tailings/St. Joe Minerals Corp. Site
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By: Bishop David Bailey, Episcopal Diocese of Navajoland While it feels more and more like we’re living in important and historic times, it can also be challenging to keep pace with today’s news. For instance, in light of other scandals roiling Washington, parts of President Trump’s recently-released budget proposal have flown under the radar. Yet, we should pay close attention to these details. They could have huge implications for people across the United States and the world – including the Gwich’in people of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. For tens of thousands of years, the Gwich’in have been faithful stewards to the Arctic Refuge’s Coastal Plains region. For all those millennia, they’ve relied on the Porcupine caribou that migrate there each spring – both for sustenance and for their spiritual well-being. The caribou and the Gwich’in are so intertwined that their tradition holds that they share a piece of each other’s heart. President Trump’s budget proposal is the latest in a long line that have tried to open the Gwich’in’s home to petrochemical companies that would exploit the potential oil and gas that might lie beneath the earth. There’s no certainty that the profits these companies seek can be found. However, studies have shown conclusively that discovering those answers would permanently disrupt the caribou’s migration, dwindle their population, and ruin the only way of life the Gwich’in have ever known. The Episcopal Church has long been opposed to exploiting the Arctic Refuge. Our concern for and stewardship of God’s creation calls us to this position. What’s more, 9 of 10 Gwich’in are my brothers and sisters, of one Body of Christ, (indeed, of one shared heart) in the Episcopal Church. They know the refuge’s future is their future, and we believe the Gwich’in’s future is ours. That’s why I urge our Senators to reject President Trump’s proposal to exploit these lands and ruin my Gwich’in brothers’ and sisters’ home. Of course, the caribou and the Gwich’in aren’t alone on the coastal plains. It’s also the migratory home for millions of birds from across the country – including Arizona – and around the world. It’s one of the few places where America’s polar bears give birth to their young. This pristine, untouched wilderness is among the last of its kind in the country, or on the planet. You can even drink fresh, clear water from its streams. All of that is in peril again, and we owe it to our Gwich’in neighbors and to ourselves to stand firm. In the nearly six decades since the Arctic Refuge was first designated, the Gwich’in have beaten back multiple attempts to ruin what they call “the sacred place where life begins.” Washington wasn’t immune to scandal then, and it certainly isn’t now. So, we can’t let the latest headline distract us from treating our neighbors with the same dignity and respect with which we wish to be treated – perhaps, even, to love them as we love ourselves. If someone was coming to ruin my way of life, or to destroy our community’s homes, I know my fellow Arizonans would stand by us. I ask you now to stand with my Gwich’in brothers and sisters, and tell Senators connected to Navajoland, including Senators McCain and Flake of Arizona, Senators Udall and Heinrich of New Mexico, as well as Senators Hatch and Lee of Utah, to reject President Trump’s plan to exploit the Arctic Refuge. Long after the latest scandals have subsided in Washington, the caribou will return to the plains region and the Gwich’in’s age-old rhythms will begin anew – but only if we stand up and speak out now for our brothers and sisters, and the sacred place where their life begins.
The Rt. Rev. David Bailey is the Episcopal Bishop of Navajoland. Prior to his 2010 arrival in Navajoland, Bishop Bailey was the Rector of St. Stephens Parish in Phoenix, AZ. There he developed a 60-bed retreat center which, at times, would provide free shelter to Navajo families whom would travel to the city for advanced medical treatment. He chaired Native American Ministries in the Diocese of Arizona, held a position in Coalition 14 and thus created a bond with the Episcopal Church in Navajoland. In 1994, upon the Presiding Bishop’s Appointment, Dave assisted Navajoland Bishop Steven Plummer in an administrative capacity. He would work with Bishop Plummer for 5-6 weeks a year. In his down time, Bishop Dave’s interests include reading, golf, hiking and participating in 5k’s.
By: Bishop Dan Edwards From September 1 through October 4 (St. Francis Day), Christians world-wide are observing the Season of Creation: a time to show reverence for all God has made. Churches will hold Animal Blessings, take experiential learning trips, and study our role as caretakers of God’s creation. Global religious leaders such as Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and General Secretary of the World Council of Churches Olav Tveit are urging Christians to devote this time to thanking God for creation and repenting for ways we have neglected, defiled, and polluted our world. During this season, Congress goes back in session. Senator Heller, Senator Cortez Masto, Rep. Titus, Rep. Amodei. Rep. Rosen, and Rep. Kihuen will face many challenges in the weeks ahead particularly in the budget appropriations process. I am watching closely to see how each member of our Nevada Congressional delegation uses his or her power to care for God’s creation. In Genesis, God calls into being the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and beasts of the earth. God declares it all good, then entrusts his good creation to our care. When earthly life is threatened by flood, God instructs Noah to ensure every type of creature can enter the Ark, two by two, so all species would continue life on Earth. The Endangered Species Act is one of the most important policies Americans have adopted to safeguard the ongoing life of God’s creatures. This year, some members of Congress are pushing for harmful fundamental changes to this bedrock environmental law. For 40 years, the Endangered Species Act has ensured that decisions about species protection lie in the hands of scientists charged with preventing extinction, rather than politicians. Proposed changes would ignore science and exclude scientists from the conversation. The Endangered Species Act has saved hundreds of species from extinction, including the bald eagle, the humpback whale and the peregrine falcon. The Act has also been effective at pulling many species back from the brink of extinction; 29 species have made such significant recoveries that they have been taken off the list of endangered species. It also safeguards special places, ensuring that our children and grandchildren continue to enjoy our God-given natural heritage. Legislation to undermine the Endangered Species Act, delay or withhold funding for species recovery efforts, or to de-list species for political rather than scientific reasons undermines our obligation to be faithful stewards. In a time when one in six species are threatened or endangered, we must act with courage. This Season of Creation, may our Members of Congress show respect for our Creator through their actions to care for God’s creation. Dan Edwards has served for 9 years as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada. He is the author of God of Our Silent Tears and Three Stories: Perspectives On Practicing Law And Christianity At The Same Time. In Nevada, he has been active with Clergy And Laity United For Economic Justice, Nevadans For the Common Good, Bread for the World, and Creation Justice Ministries. Hear Bishop Dan talk more about the Endangered Species Act in this video: My last graduate class offered the surprising opportunity of journeying from my home in a small rural Oklahoma town to Washington, DC with Creation Justice Ministries. I arrived to find a magical place, strategically centered next door to the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court and Senate buildings, where social work and faith principles easily mix.
Closing many doors behind me, I accepted the challenge of learning macro social work advocacy with the understanding my role as a student would come first. Learning as much as I possibly could in a short 4 months about applying macro social work to faith based environmental and social justice was my plan. What I found here at Creation Justice Ministries was an ecumenical advocacy approach that is parallel to social work’s ethical values and responsibilities of social diversity, cultural diversity and social inclusion. For those who may not have had an experience with ecumenism, let me enlighten you. Ecumenism refers to Christians from all beliefs and doctrines coming together to foster strong relationships to better understand one another. Ecumenism is an effort to promote unity in the Christian faith. It is God’s love in action through us. The ecumenical approach to environmental justice (advocacy) seeks an avenue to create a powerful energy force with one purpose: environmental justice. Environmental justice through an ecumenical approach produces a bridge for all types of people, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or socio-economic status, from all types of faiths and spiritualities by embracing social inclusion. Through that approach, Philippians 2:2 comes alive: “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose”. I brought to the table an Indigenous Native perspective and voice. There is a saying among the Indigenous Natives of the United States that goes like this: Tell me and I will forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand. The positive learning space created by Creation Justice Ministries gives students the chance to practice leadership, active team participation, independent learning and build strong relationships to increase networking skills. Their leadership understands that student learning and practical contribution to organizational goals and objectives go hand in hand. At Creation Justice Ministries, I oversee my learning and am treated as an associate and partner, which made my transformation from a macro social work student to a colleague a smooth transition. I am proud to be able to hold the status of colleague and partner with Creation Justice Ministries by telecommuting from my home in Oklahoma. Storm water runoff can cause huge problems for the environment. It often carries pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste into drinking sources and nearby ecosystems. However, through a process of green infrastructure, storm water can be returned to the ground to safely provide for plants and animals. This can be done through rain gardens that retain storm water runoff from roofs, parking lots and driveways. This water can then be treated and safely returned to the environment.
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In 2016, Christian communities learned of some of the natural wonders of the Atlantic Coast. They prayed for better reverence and care for God's marine creation, and many endorsed the proposal for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. They rejoiced when it was declared by President Obama under the Antiquities Act in September 2016. Now, the Trump Administration may reverse course and weaken marine protections for fragile areas and a diversity of marine creatures. Across New England, people are getting engaged, and have reiterated a commitment to responsible ocean stewardship by urging the Trump Administration to uphold the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. Learn more and get involved at www.creationjustice.org/ocean-treasures |
Ecumenical Responses
God's great gift of creation - the context in which all life seeks fulfillment - is in crisis. Driven by material aspiration, humanity's use of fossil fuel since the Industrial Revolution has broken Creation's balance.
EVANGELICAL ENVIRONMENT NETWORK (read in full)
The Christian life is not fundamentally about the absence of doing bad things, the absence of bad or sinful acts. Rather, the Christian life is the presence of good things from God, His grace and love and His presence through the Holy Spirit in us and the Christian community; it is the abundant life Jesus promised. And from these good things from God we are empowered to do what we were created to do, to image or reflect God on earth, to do good things in turn, to love and stand up for what’s right and thereby create a better world.
YOUNG EVANGELICALS FOR CLIMATE ACTION (read in full)
“With his decision today, President Trump has once again positioned himself on the wrong side of history. By characterizing the Paris Agreement as a top-down constraint on economic growth that is “a bad deal for America”, he betrays his ignorance of the actual structure and spirit of agreement. He damages both America’s reputation abroad and its economic competitiveness in the coming clean energy revolution. He may hope to negotiate a “better deal”, but will find a world unwilling and uninterested in engaging an America that has willingly shut itself out.
FRIENDS COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL LEGISLATION (read in full)
This is an abdication of responsibility to address global climate change and is both physically dangerous and morally reprehensible. The decision disregards vitally important environmental efforts to protect both our planet and the population, with consequences that will reverberate for generations.
U.S CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS USCCB (read in full)
By withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, the United States would send the message that it doesn’t care about the common good of all peoples and it has no appetite for solidarity. Furthermore, it would miss the opportunity to shape the future of the global energy revolution.
CATHOLIC LEADERS (read in full)
The Catholic Church recognizes that climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. It has repeatedly called for and supported international climate change agreements including by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2009, 2010, and 2012. Pope Francis wrote and released his ecological encyclical, Laudato Si’, in part to influence the Paris Agreement stressing that “its implementation will require unanimous commitment and generous dedication by everyone.” In Laudato Si’, he emphasized that “continuity is essential, because policies related to climate change and environmental protection cannot be altered with every change of government” (no. 181).
SISTERS OF MERCY (read in full)
This announcement is particularly disturbing coming just days after the president met with Pope Francis, who has called climate change “one of the principal challenges facing humanity today” and has lamented its disproportionate impact on people who are poor.
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES (read in full)
“As an international humanitarian organization, we are confronted with the realities of climate change every day and see the devastating impact on the lives of the people we serve,” said Bill O’Keefe, vice president for advocacy and government relations for CRS. “People around the world – especially those who contribute least to global warming, will be worse off because of today’s decision.”
INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT (read in full)
“The Paris agreement was a ray of hope for those who heed the scientific consensus, and care deeply about the world of today and tomorrow. It’s painful to see the U.S. leaving the community of nations on this most important issue. As a moral matter, the backsliding on environmental protection must stop,”
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SERVICE COMMITTEE (read in full)
Leaving the Paris Agreement is a dangerous step backward and a grave injustice to the rest of the world, particularly to smaller countries in the Global South. The United States has an obligation to protect those that have made vulnerable by their carbon emissions. The Agreement was one way we, as a global community, sought both to assign responsibility where it is due and find solutions to issues that affect us all.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH (read in full)
Despite this announcement, many U.S. businesses, states, cities, regions, nongovernmental organizations and faith bodies like the Episcopal Church can continue to take bold action to address the climate crisis. The phrase, “We’re still in,” became a statement of commitment for many of us who regardless of this decision by our President are still committed to the principles of the Paris Agreement.
MARYKNOLL (read in full)
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns is very disappointed that President Trump has decided to remove the United States from the Paris climate agreement. This global accord signed by nearly two hundred nations is viewed by many as the most realistic plan to protect our common home and impoverished communities that are most vulnerable to climate change. This decision will be felt hardest on communities in developing countries, future generations, and endangered ecosystems.
RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER FOR REFORM JUDAISM (read in full)
The Reform Movement condemns, with the utmost gravity and disappointment, the President’s decision to exit the historic Paris Climate Agreement. This is an abdication of responsibility to address global climate change and is both physically dangerous and morally reprehensible.
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE (read in full)
"As this is being announced today in Washington, more than 20 million people are on the brink of starvation in East Africa because of drought. Millions more are either battening down, preparing for or already recovering from the 2017 Tropical Cyclone and Hurricane seasons. Americans are not exempt from these disasters; the communities with whom CWS works in the United States are disproportionately affected...."
COEJL: CHAIRMAN RABBI FRED DOBB
“We just ensured massive suffering for our own descendants, consigned untold people and ecosystems to ruin, deepened social inequity and injustice, demeaned facts, ceded global leadership, and decided that ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ is irrelevant and unimportant. Now we’re in the company of only Syria and Nicaragua, against the rest of the world, outside of the Paris Accord. It’s a shameful day to be an American.”
FAITH IN PLACE (read in full)
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement by the U.S. is a significant blow to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it has far-reaching negative implications for global cooperation on addressing climate change, signaling that the U.S. is no longer willing to be a team player in this issue that affects everyone on our planet.
CREATION JUSTICE MINISTRIES AND NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (read in full)
Creation Justice Ministries and the National Council of Churches join together in sorrow and lament at President Trump’s announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. We believe this withdrawal endangers a sustainable future, departs from the will of the whole world, and breaks the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor.
FRANCISCAN ACTION NETWORK (read in full)
The announcement by President Trump to pull the United States out of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement is a decision with catastrophic consequences for the earth and all of its living creatures. In addition to the devastating environmental repercussions, pulling out of the agreement before the designated time allowed to do so sets a dangerous precedent by demonstrating that this administration has no regard for standing international agreements.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (read in full)
"The Trump Administration's decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement is a travesty, a crime against the future of people and the planet," said 350.org Executive Director May Boeve. "The choice they had was clear, and they decided to side with fossil fuel billionaires over the overwhelming majority of Americans who support the agreement."
The day began with prayers and inspirational talks for guidance and direction, to reflect God’s will and voice. These voices stand firm to the premise that diversity and inclusion are central to environmental integrity, preservation, and justice, with the unique responsibility of humans in caring all God’s creation.
Leaders in attendance were: Rev. Richard Silversmith, a Navajo Pastor of the Indian Christian Center in Denver; Ms. Loni Romo and Jackie Davis-Cawelti, Pyramid Lake Paiute tribal members and active lay leaders at St. Mary of the Lake Episcopal Church, Rev. Judy Wellington an Akilmel O’odham and Dakota Sioux Minister for Native American Ministries in the Presbytery of the Southwest, and Mark Charles, a Navajo activist, speaker, and writer, and Dee Ann Manatowa, daughter of the late chief of the Sac and Fox Nation as well as Environmental Justice Fellow for Creation Justice Ministries.
Loni Romo described her trip with her mother Jackie Davis-Cawelti: "Over the past weekend my mom and I were invited to D.C. to advocate for the Bears Ears Monument. We went as Indigenous Christian peoples. It was a whirlwind trip but was incredible. It was my first trip, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. We had meetings set up with the acting Director of Bureau of Land Management, Assistant Director for National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships and a lady from the Secretary's office. We moved on to the Department of Interior Office of External and Intergovernmental Relations. We stopped in at our State of Nevada Senator's offices and met with Cortez-Masto's staff. Any spare time we spent it sight-seeing: museums, monuments and even joined a protest. I am grateful for the opportunity, meeting new people to learn from and especially to have our voices heard."
Rev. Judy Wellington said of the experience, "I am thankful to Creation Justice Ministries who made it possible for a group of us from different native nations to come to DC to advocate for keeping Bears Ears Monument. Together with the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition of Utah, we join our voices with sisters and brothers who care about preservation of the land."
Pastor Richard Silversmith said upon his return home, "I am hopeful that meeting with the decision-makers in person had a more immediate impact and leaves a longer-lasting impression than a letter. I think collectively we can help raises a shared witness in the public arena echoing Christ's call for just relationships among all of Creation."
Mark Charles reflected, "It was a great opportunity to challenge the paradigm of our government leaders, representatives and officials by speaking to them, not as oppressed minorities or even as concerned constituents, but rather as the indigenous hosts of this land. I loved it. Creator Ahé'hee."
More than 100 Christians with Indigenous heritage, hailing from 27 states and the District of Columbia, warned of the danger of reducing or rescinding the protections monument status gives the Bears Ears region. In their letter, they explained: “Most Christians in the United States would consider the notion absurd and abhorrent that any individual, government or a corporation could trample, shoot at, mine, or drill our graveyards, religious sanctuaries, or sacred artworks. Yet, as Indigenous people, this is a threat we know all too well. We take this threat very seriously.”
The Reverend Dr. Bradley Hauff, Missioner for Indigenous Ministries of The Episcopal Church, explained why he signed the letter: “Indigenous people have a relationship with the land that is sacred and central to our way of life. Our culture, spirituality, identity, survival, and understanding of life is centered in the Earth and the Cosmos. If the land is desecrated, so are we."
Some of the letter’s signers plan to travel to Washington, DC next week to discuss their point of view with decision-makers on the Bears Ears National Monument. Many of the decision-makers who will determine the fate of the Bears Ears National Monument practice Christianity, and the advocates are hopeful their moral appeal can make a difference.
Another letter signed by 37 religious organizations and denominations noted that “Although Secretary Zinke visited Utah for several days, he spent little more than an hour with official tribal leaders in a room. Furthermore, the official comment period was only 15 days, and only online. Without public hearings, people who primarily communicate through the oral tradition are left out.”
The religious organizations’ letter went on to encourage Secretary Zinke to “extend the comment period, host public stakeholder hearings, spend much more significant time meeting with the Bears Ears Commission on site, and to follow the Commission's original recommendation to uphold the existing boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument.”
Other noteworthy comments included a Resolution of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church, and dozens of clergy as well as three Bishops who added their voice among comments collected by Creation Justice Ministries: CEO and Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick III of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Jessica Crist of the Montana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Bishop Carroll Baltimore who served as immediate past President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and now is a bishop in the Global United Fellowship.
Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, mainline Protestants, Historically Black Churches, Peace Churches, and Orthodox communions.
Learn more about Creation Justice Ministries' work on Bears Ears National Monument at www.creationjustice.org/bears-ears
We, as Armenians, stand with those who are oppressed and persecuted. Given our history, we understand. Secretary Zinke, given American history and what we have done to the Indigenous Peoples, we have an obligation to remember, honor, and repent. Please uphold and preserve the Bears Ears National Monument.
~ Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, Armenian Church Representative to Creation Justice Ministries, Wisconsin
“As a person of the cloth I often lament how much we are losing a sense of the sacred in our world. At times it feels that everything is being reduced to dollars and cents and that God is merely an afterthought. It is my work to help people to connect with God and commit to being in community with their fellow humans. It is for this reason that I stand in solidarity with my indigenous brothers and sisters. They are trying to protect something sacred, a place where they feel the presence of the creator. If the government wanted to use our church for commercial purposes I would take umbrage with that, so I have to defend the rights of other religious groups to protect those places where they commune with God.
In March, I was in Germany celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Theses. It was great to honor that tradition but also sad to see how few Germans are people of faith. In this time where faith is dwindling in so many places we must protect religious expression. I hope you will stand with the indigenous faith communities against the incursion of commercial interests that seek to defile the sacred for financial profit.”
~ Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Massachusetts
“Open spaces are essential to a healthy society, and the deep spirituality for all persons, no matter their religious affiliation, is healing and revitalizing. Bears Ears is one of those spaces that needs to be protected, cared for by the original inhabitants, and respected by everyone. The earth is not a 'big box store' from which we can take, take and take. It is a living entity providing us with everything we need, but it does not exist to satisfy greed. Protect ALL our national monuments, our public lands, and expand them for protection and joyful living. This is critical. Life depends on you. Protect life.”
~Rev. Linda Grenfell, Maine
“I have lived among the monuments in my years in the Southwest. I have prayed under the shade of the giant sequoias and on ridge tops in national parks. When I seek God in creation I always feel him, experience him in the deep stillness of these protected lands. If you do not continue to protect them God's good creation will be greatly diminished...as will be our own spiritual health.”
~Rev. Constance McIntosh, Louisiana
“As a Christian, my commitment to Stewardship of the earth is second nature to me as is my commitment to all peoples, most especially the Native American peoples of the USA from whom our ancestors stole their land. Please don't rescind this promise of protection of their sacred lands as we have done so many times in the past. We should work together with these Native American peoples to protect their sacred sites. The Native American peoples' knowledge about our relationship to the earth runs far deeper than we know. Let's listen to them, learn from them and leave their sacred lands alone!”
~Ms. Charlotte Disher, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator, North Carolina
About this Blog
This blog shares the activities of Creation Justice Ministries. We educate and equip Christians to protect, restore, and rightly share God's creation.
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