EarthBeat Weekly: Fifty years hearing the cries of the earth and the poor in Appalachia

Fifty years hearing the cries of the earth and the poor in Appalachia   EarthBeat Weekly Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change October 31, 2025   Roughly 150 people took part in a dialogue on labor and the environment in Appalachia Oct. 25 at the pastoral center of the Pittsburgh Diocese, marking the 50th anniversary of the Appalachian bishops' pastoral letter "This Land is Home to Me" and the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home." (Pinnacle Productions) As evident from a good chunk of the coverage at EarthBeat this year, 2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark social encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home." But it is not the only church document relating to environmental concerns that is reaching a milestone.  Fifty years ago, the 25 bishops of Appalachia — a mountainous region across 13 states in the eastern U.S. — issued their own assessment of how social, economic and environmental issues intertwine and impact the lives of people, most especially the poor. The document was titled "This Land is Home to Me." Roughly 150 Catholics, including three bishops, gathered last weekend in Pittsburgh to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "This Land," as well as a decade of Laudato Si', as I reported in a story today at EarthBeat. In an interview after the event, Bishop Mark Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, commented to me about how "This Land" remains relevant a half-century later, particularly what the bishops in the mid-1970s said about the idolization of the "maximization of profit" and how removing the wealth from the ground often has not benefited those who live in the region. "'Maximization of profit' in today's world," the bishops wrote at the time, "has become a crazy death wish, every day using up more and more of the earth's riches and our own dignity." They criticized how the U.S., consisting of 6% of the world population in 1975, consumed one-third of global energy and produced 40% of industrial pollution. The Appalachian bishops spoke directly at how mining and other extractive industries impact the environment.  Too often, many corporations guided by the philosophy of "technological rationalization," they wrote, "become perverted, hostile to the dignity of the earth and of its people. Its destructive growth patterns pollute the air, foul the water, rape the land." The bishops expanded further on the interconnections between ecological crises and the plight of the poor 20 years later in a second pastoral titled "At Home in the Web of Life." They wrote in part: "We too do not see the crisis of nature as separate from the crisis of the poor, but see both as a single crisis of community. For the land and the poor people are victims together of the same materialistic consumer society, which promotes the culture of death. It does this by undermining all community, by frequently treating people and the rest of nature as if they were useless waste from the throw-away consumer society." Those lines closely echo what Francis wrote 20 years later in Laudato Si', where he called the global community "to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" and as he regularly critiqued a "throwaway culture" and "culture of waste." In reflecting on the pastorals from the Appalachian bishops and Francis' socio-ecological encyclical, retired Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik said to the gathering, "The question that faces you and I today, in a very particular way, is this: How do we lift up and care for creation and care for the workers in Appalachia?"  Read more: WV bishop urges boycotts for better pay at event marking Appalachia pastoral letter   What else is new on EarthBeat:   Faith-based disaster relief groups mobilize to respond to Hurricane Melissa by Bob Smietana, Religion News Service Disaster relief groups have moved supplies into place, mobilized volunteers and started raising funds to respond to Hurricane Melissa, which has killed more than 20 people and flooded out thousands in the Caribbean. Read more here »   Pope: Opioid crisis, cruelty toward migrants are new social ills by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service "States have the right and the duty to protect their borders, but this should be balanced by the moral obligation to provide refuge," Leo said. It's one of many "new" social ills he addressed in a major five-page speech. Read more here »   On Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed, monks and nuns keep harvesting olives by Giovanna Dell'orto, Associated Press The Gospel says Jesus spent the last night before being crucified at the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane garden. Come October, monks and nuns are busy harvesting olives there as a form of prayer and reverence. Read more here »   This orange flower cloaks Mexico during Day of the Dead. Climate change is putting it at risk by MEGAN JANETSKY , Claudia Rosel, Associated Press The orange flower has become a symbol of the country’s celebrations that take place every Nov. 1 and 2. Also known as the "flower of the dead", the cempasuchil is believed to be a point of connection between the worlds of the dead and the living, with bright petals that light the path of dead souls to the altars set out by their family. Read more here » What's happening in other climate news:   Annual climate change report finds 'planet on the brink' —Brian Bienkowski for The New Lede Trump fossil fuel approvals keep coming despite government shutdown —Rachel Frazin for The Hill  AI is pushing climate goals out of reach, new reports say —Jake Bolster for Inside Climate News Trump officials say Alaska is 'open for business.' So far, no one's buying —Lois Parshley for Grist Brazil's Amazon deforestation falls 11% even as fires surge to record levels —Steven Grattan for the Associated Press A river restoration in Oregon gets fast results: The salmon swam right back —Rebecca Dzombak for The New York Times Why billions of gallons of raw sewage keep ending up in Philadelphia waterways —Kyle Bagenstose for Inside Climate News Final Beat: Today is All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween. In the Catholic Church, that means this weekend will mark All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.  Both liturgical days offer times to remember those who have passed, whether saintly examples of Christian lives or the people close in our lives. Some may choose to do so by visiting a cemetery.  While cemeteries offer a final resting place for those who have died, they also can support life, as detailed in a report by Karen Mockler for The Revelator, an environmental news site. She explains: The ever-increasing demands of human development sometimes behave like doom-laden dominoes: Urban sprawl leads to habitat destruction leads to species extinction. So where in the world can humans coexist with biodiversity? In cemeteries. In some urban environments, graveyards represent the last green space for miles. Increasingly ecologists are seeing how traditional cemeteries contribute to biodiversity, including some rare plant and animal species. These places illustrate the key ecological concept of habitat islands, a haven for both plants and animals being squeezed by our modern world. You can read the full article here: Cemeteries: How the dead protect the wild. Until next week, thanks for reading EarthBeat.   Brian Roewe Environment Correspondent National Catholic Reporter broewe@ncronline.org     Featured Advertisers   Looking to Hire? Offering Retreats? Selling Books? Place an Ad in NCR's Online Classified Section for Only $75 per Month!   Advertisement

Truth and Action Roundup 10.31.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. Tomorrow, many people across the country will lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which could make it harder for them to get food. Food banks and churches are already overwhelmed by increased demand, and layoffs, along with the ongoing federal shutdown, are stretching people’s ability to care for themselves. As we take on a bigger role as a community in the absence of federal support, we must remember that SNAP and other federal programs were designed to offer more substantial help than what charitable aid can provide.  While we acknowledge we cannot fulfill all the needs of the hungry, we must loudly call for the return of mandated federal funding for SNAP, and we renew our commitment to feeding as many people as possible, using every resource available, as our faith requires. We have already seen a dangerous erosion of this commitment through the elimination of the agency responsible for distributing worldwide aid without Congress' approval. Since aid is now being used as a political weapon at home and statutorily required funding is being denied, the apathy toward the well-being of others must be overcome.  As we emphasize mutual aid and neighborly protection, we must continue to speak openly and honestly about what we are expected to do together as a nation through our government. Although it is easy to lose hope in institutions that have so far failed to address our struggles, we must remain strong in demanding they fulfill their responsibilities ensuring the safety and well-being of those they are meant to serve.  - Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners In the News As the House remains out of session and the federal shutdown continues, we’ve observed the executive branch continue to act without any checks: While negotiations to reopen the federal government continue, the Trump Administration is still firing federal officials in regulatory and oversight roles. Affordable Care Act price increases are expected to be reflected in healthcare prices this weekend, while dental care in Alabama has become increasingly unavailable. In his third politically charged speech to military personnel, Trump threatened to send in “more than the National Guard” to cities across the country. This comes as killings in the Caribbean continue, with military leaders being forced to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for their involvement, and reports of killings in the Pacific emerge. This unchecked conduct continues to be reflected in the mass deportation efforts of the Trump administration: The Trump Administration plans to install new regional leadership from the Border Patrol to target people for deportation aggressively. As a result, a federal judge has ordered Gregory Bovino, the head of the Border Patrol, to submit daily reports on the Border Patrol's activities in Chicago. This follows incidents like these, where an elderly man had six ribs broken by Border Patrol agents in front of costumed children who were trick-or-treating. We’re also seeing ICE use tactics like jail sweeps in cities such as Austin, where they’re reportedly visiting jails twice a day to find people for detention and deportation. The Department of Homeland Security is also using racist rhetoric and imagery in its public-facing messaging in response to the reaction to mass deportation policies. The Trump Administration also ended the automatic renewal of work permits for people legally working in the United States. There have been differing responses from communities in Springfield, Ohio, that have been targeted for operations involving Haitians seeking safety after becoming an essential part of the community. In Los Angeles, we’re seeing people fight back by documenting officers and holding them accountable. We’re also continuing to see the concerning intersection of surveillance and intimidation in disturbing ways: ICE has purchased technology to track people’s license plates, their irises, and their social media activity, raising grave concerns about the privacy of the communities they’re targeting. They are scanning people’s faces and say their app is more reliable than documents like birth certificates. This comes as we’ve seen the abuse of tools like license plate readers by local police in Denver suburbs, who made false allegations using footage from Flock Safety cameras to craft a false narrative. Along with these disturbing patterns in surveillance, we’re also seeing local law enforcement disproportionately target Black people in their enforcement and failing to document their conduct. The consequences of such conduct are evident in the experiences of those targeted and in the ongoing erosion of rights at both the state and federal levels. Take Action The National Day Labor Organizing Network is hosting a “Disappeared In America” action this weekend, on November 1st. Here’s a map with actions happening near you. Here is a resource page for the people of Jamaica as they contend with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. We’re continuing to provide opportunities to orient and act in the current moment on our events page. What We’re Reading “The Chicago Pastor Who Confronted ICE In A Viral Photo” | “I quoted Jesus. I said, “Repent and believe the good news, the kingdom of God is at hand.” I invited them to an altar call.” (By Josina Guess) “Hope Is Not Optimism; Hope Is Defiance” | “What if, in this moment, the thing that people need most is to be invited to hope?” (By Marion Sarkisian Ramón Pareja) Deep Breaths  Re-membering We are at the intersection of seasons, memories, and rituals—living echoes of those who have transitioned from this life. Though modern society often avoids or fears death, many cultures still hold sacred space for remembrance. This is the heart of re-membering: not just recalling the dead, but reassembling the spiritual, emotional, and cultural threads that keep them near. During this season of  Allhallowtide—All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day—and celebrations like Día de los Muertos, we find rituals that name death not as an end but as a transformation. In Día de los Muertos, families create ofrendas—altars filled with photos, candles, marigolds, food, and favorite items of the departed. It’s not mourning—it’s celebration. It says: They are still with us. Their stories, laughter, and love remain. In the Africana tradition, this re-membering is ancestral. Across the African continent and the diaspora—from pouring libation to calling names during Black funerals—honoring the ancestors is not just a ritual, it is a responsibility. In many West African cultures, the dead are believed to live among us, guiding and protecting. In African American traditions, especially through spirituals, storytelling, and homegoing services, we pass down memories as a legacy. This year, I am grieving the loss of my father. Nothing prepared me for this depth of pain. But in these traditions, I have found language for both grief and grace. Scripture says, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). So I ask: what if death is not disappearance, but transition? What if legacy is a form of eternal presence? This season, I choose to re-member my father with joy and reverence—through story, song, and sacred pause. Because love, like spirit, never dies. Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Director of Programs, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Donate Subscribe Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

PDA responds to Hurricane Melissa

(Photo credit: Saturnino Perez )

“God is our refuge and strength... Therefore, we will not fear, though the waters roar and foam." Psalm 46

As we begin to see the catastrophic impacts Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made as it tore its path through Jamaica and across Cuba, we are praying for our siblings in the Caribbean. With maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour at landfall on Tuesday morning, authorities are calling this one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the region. Its smaller remnant continues to inflict damage among island nations in its path, and it will take years to recover.   Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is providing grants to address urgent, immediate needs and will remain to address long-term recovery and unmet needs. The magnitude of this storm will require the development of long-term projects and assistance for both physical and emotional long-lasting effects. PDA affirms our commitment to accompany those affected by this disaster. As people of God, once again we are called to bridge the “GAP” — Give, Act and Pray.

GIVE. ACT. PRAY.   GIVE: Financial support for relief efforts can be made online by clicking HERE, by phone at (800) 728-7228, ext. 5885, or by check made payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with “Hurricane Melissa” written on the memo line and mailed to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

ACT: Download and use the bulletin insert. Stay informed and like us on Facebook, download resources and share updates with your congregation. PRAY: Gracious and loving God, We lift up before You the people and places affected by Hurricane Melissa. You are our shelter, our refuge, our strong tower in times of trouble. We ask that You walk with every family, every home, and every neighborhood facing winds, rain and uncertainty. May Your Spirit surround the most vulnerable and those at greater risk. Be with the emergency responders, the volunteers, the church communities and local agencies who serve in the eye of the storm. Grant clarity and calm in the midst of chaos, courage to those who must act, and compassion to those who serve. We pray that You would tame the winds, quiet the floods and steady the earth beneath. Bring safety to every person; bring healing to every place. In the aftermath, hold up the broken-hearted, restore what has been lost, and kindle hope where fear has been strong. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard hearts and minds during this trial. And may Your faithful presence be a light in the darkness and bring out of chaos, hope. We offer this in the name of Jesus Christ, our comfort and our strength. Amen.

SojoMail - Christ among the Zoomers

View this email in your browser In this week’s SojoMail: a better conception of the ‘Case for Christianity,’ an exploration of AI infrastructure’s disproportionate effects on Black communities, and the story of a justice-focused Georgia cemetery. A Young and Openly Queer British Woman Makes a Case for Christianity In this week’s SojoMail, Georgia Coley writes about Lamorna Ash’s Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever, which describes Ash's quest to understand others’ religious conversions while exploring her own beliefs: My first exposure to writer Lamorna Ash was the thumbnail image for an interview on YouTube, giant text emblazoning her face with the words “The Case for Christianity.” I must admit, I was skeptical. Granted, I am a Christian who has certainly “made the case” for the profound reality of Jesus of Nazareth now and again—but recently, apologetic arguments and “hardened atheist turned Christian” testimonials have left a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps it’s the way that media in that sphere tends to be loaded with culture warrior “Christian Apologist DESTROYS Atheist Snowflake” language. Maybe it’s that, frequently, the case for Christianity actually tends to be the case for Western dominance, whiteness, and heteronormativity. Or maybe it’s even simpler than that: Often, the sheer dogmatic certainty with which these “convert influencers” tend to speak just doesn’t feel honest. Either way, as a queer believer, the genre usually feels out of step with my daily walk. Nevertheless, I decided to give this particular interview a listen—and Lamorna Ash was nothing like what I’d anticipated. A young and openly queer British woman with a lyrical voice and a heart for Palestine and trans people? This was not the person I’d traditionally expected to make the “case for Christianity.” Read the full article Advertisement Our Latest Stories Bruce Springsteen Understands Depression. His Biopic Doesn’t (by Tyler Huckabee) Springsteen helped normalize male conversations around mental health. So why does Deliver Me From Nowhere feel like a step backwards? Read more Black Pastors Discuss the Promises and Perils of AI in Church (by Erwin Kamuene) Ethical and environmental concerns are encouraging some Black clergy to take a stand against the use of AI in their churches, but that stance isn’t universal. Read more What’s the Right Way to Tell the Story of a Killed Missionary? (by Abby Olcese) ‘Last Days’ aims to humanize John Allen Chau and his controversial attempt to evangelize uncontacted tribes. Read more From the Magazine: ‘Folks Ought To Have a Resting Place’ (by Josina Guess) The people buried in the Jubilee cemetery comprise a unique underground community wherein walls of difference crumble. Read more Advertisements Sojourners' Confronting Christian Nationalism Reading List This Bookshop list provides a deep dive into the complex topic of Christian nationalism, the value of religious freedom, and ways to further a fair society. Our Bookshop page features a variety of curated reading lists. When you buy through our link, part of the proceeds support Sojourners and independent bookstores throughout the country. Protect Funding for National Public Radio Public broadcasting belongs to all of us. It’s how millions stay connected to the truth, especially in areas where commercial media won’t go. Tell Congress: Protect funding for NPR and PBS now. Keep democracy and accurate news on the airwaves. Donate Subscribe Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842