Presbyterians for Earth Care - Name Your 2025 Eco-Justice Champion + Upcoming Events

It's time to nominate YOUR Eco-Justice Champion for 2025! We value your opinion and need your help! Do you know a young adult, 30 years old or younger, who connects their faith with creation and shows great potential to be a future leader for environmental justice? Or perhaps you know a more mature person who has spent their life acting and advocating for the beauty, integrity, and health of God’s creation. Maybe your congregation or faith organization operates in a sustainable manner and promotes being a good steward of God’s earth, both within and beyond its membership. If one of these prompts brought an individual or a congregation/organization to your mind, now is the time to nominate them for a Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) Annual Earth Care Award. PEC presents three awards annually, two to individuals and one to an organization. These awards are given to individuals and groups whose work for the environment is especially praiseworthy and creative. The William Gibson Eco-Justice Award honors an individual with a long history of being a good steward of the Earth, promotes sustainable practices for individuals or organizations, motivates and inspires others to care for God’s creation, and demonstrates care and concern for the sacred bond that exists between all things, living and nonliving. The Restoring Creation Award honors a congregation or faith-based organization that demonstrates sustainable practices and models them for other organizations, operates in a manner that is consistent with good stewardship of God’s creation, partners with organizations to leverage resources for greater impact, and encourages continuous environmental efforts within the organization. The Emerging Earth Care Leader Award honors an individual, age 18 to 30, who demonstrates sustainable practices and encourages others to care for God’s creation, expands Earth stewardship and sustainable practices through organizing, developing, and/or presenting one or more activities, projects, publications, or events, and incorporates care and concern for the sacred bond between all living things. Visit the Awards page on the PEC website for more information, then nominate your eco-justice hero by October 15, 2025. If you are a PEC member/donor, you are welcome to nominate an awardee. If you are not a member/donor and would like to make a nomination, you can join or renew your PEC membership now. Volunteers are needed to make the decision about which qualified individual/congregation or organizations will receive the 2025 awards. If you would like to serve on the PEC Awards Committee, contact PEC Coordinator Mindy Hidenfelter at pec@presbyearthcare.org. The deadline for submitting nominations for PEC Awards is October 15th. CLICK HERE to Nominate an Award Recipient We need your help! We are currently recruiting young adult participants for focus groups to help us build a Young Adult Network that meets the needs of young people and their communities. Please share this with members of your congregation/community who are ages 18-35 and passionate about environmental justice. In these focus groups, we will be asking: What do young people leading on issues of eco-justice need? What do we believe? What do we want to build? Visit bit.ly/PECYAFocusGroups to sign up. Help Presbyterians for Earth Care make create a space that speaks to YOUR needs and interests, and the needs of your communities! Questions Email pecyaorganizer@gmail.com. Living Waters for the World: Learning Together through Clean Water Partnerships Join us to learn about clean water partnerships from Kendall Cox, Director of Programs for Living Waters for the World, a non-profit organization that trains teams to work with partners on water purification projects. There are now over 1,150 water partnerships, from right here in the US and to 27 other countries, bringing clean water to God’s children. We will find out how we can support clean water access domestically and worldwide. WEBINAR DATE: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 TIME: 7:30 pm EDT (6:30 CDT, 5:30 MDT, 4:30 PDT) PRESENTER: Kendall Cox REGISTER HERE Register now for a Christian Climate Training (Live, Online) September is the Season of Creation and Blessed Tomorrow is partnering with 9 denominations to offer a FREE live, virtual Christian Climate Training on September 27, 2025 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm ET / 8:30 - 11:30 am PT. It will include breakouts by denomination.  The majority of Americans are concerned about climate change. But, they think only half of those around them feel the same way. As a person of faith, you can help others see they’re not alone in their concern and invite them to take action. The Christian Climate Training equips you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on climate change from a Christian faith perspective in your home, neighborhood, church, community, with policymakers, and beyond. After the training, you’re invited to become part of the Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Community which provides ongoing support, resources, events, and a vast community of Climate Ambassadors from across the U.S.   Register Here!

Copyright (C) 2025 Presbyterians for Earth Care. All rights reserved.

Truth and Action Roundup 8.01.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and action for the second Trump administration. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. Today is August 1, 2025. As images of starvation from Gaza continue to reach us, we must confront the human cost of the blockade imposed by Israel four months ago. France and Canada have joined countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia in recognizing the Palestinians’ right to statehood, pushing for a broader affirmation of legal and moral rights for those suffering in Palestine. In response, President Trump is threatening to reject a trade deal that would grant Canada access to U.S. markets. This intimidation underscores how U.S. foreign policy–backed by economic, military, and diplomatic efforts–has been essential to Israel’s capacity to continue its assault on Palestinians.  While U.S. officials advocate for policies such as the ongoing transfer of arms, which have led to civilian casualties, the church’s role must also be examined. Certain interpretations of Christianity have justified and underpinned the continuing violence between Israel and Palestine, arguing for support of the unspeakable in service of a “larger” purpose. Our faith, however, compels us to pursue peace and recognize the inherent humanity and divinity in every person. — Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners  In the News Here’s what’s been happening this week: 1) Famine and suffering in Gaza reached global attention: The IPC, the leading international authority on food crises, warned this week that “The worst-case scenario of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip. Widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.” Humanitarian groups warn that, while Israel allowed more aid this week, it remains far below what’s needed. Gaza’s Health Ministry now reports that 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. The Washington Post listed the names of the 18,500 children lost to the violence. Labor leader Chris Smalls, traveling on a ship attempting to break the blockade and deliver aid, was reportedly detained and beaten by Israeli forces. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused the IDF of discrimination, noting Smalls was the only Black member on the aid mission and the only person detained. 2) The Trump administration’s deportation regime continues—but so does resistance: Several high-ranking Maryland officials–including both Maryland U.S. Senators and four House members – were denied access to Baltimore’s ICE detention center as they sought to evaluate facility conditions. House Democrats have since filed a lawsuit against ICE for blocking congressional oversight. The treatment of women in immigration detention remains underreported, despite highlighting “the level of violence and impunity” found within the carceral system. An appeals court allowed a lower court judge to block Trump’s birthright citizenship ban, dismissing an administration appeal. Judge Deborah L. Boardman signaled she would grant the case class-action status and approve a preliminary injunction against the policy. Across the country, neighbors and grassroots activists are resisting deportation policies. In cities like Los Angeles, people are working together to protect their neighbors from ICE raids. National groups such as Indivisible are actively training organizers in protest, noncooperation, and civil disobedience. 3) U.S. civil society faces sustained strain: Harvard, Brown, and Columbia–three Ivy League schools–have yielded to administration pressure. Harvard is reportedly willing to spend up to $500 million to resolve its dispute with federal officials. Brown agreed to spend $50 million and “adopt the government’s definition of ‘male’ and ‘female’,” and remove race as a consideration in admissions. Columbia agreed to a $200 million settlement with the government last week. Voting rights and fair elections continue to face challenges, with a court ruling making it harder to sue under the Voting Rights Act and a gerrymandering scheme in Texas both making headlines. The administration's efforts to undermine the judicial branch persist. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a misconduct claim against a federal judge overseeing high-profile lawsuits. At the same time, the Senate confirmed Emil Bove–a former Trump attorney and top DOJ official accused of instructing colleagues to disregard court orders–to a lifetime judgeship on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Take Action We are collecting signatures for a petition demanding Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump use their influence to end the killing and occupation in Gaza. Join our “Engage and Adapt” webinar next Tuesday to help communities adjust to changes in Medicaid and SNAP policies. What We’re Reading Christianity Should Radicalize You | I’ve been transformed by the teachings of Jesus, which challenge me to practice a radical form of love for others. (by Emily Baez) Stephen Colbert Was Too Human For Late Night | The best Colbert moments from this era were less about politics and more about personal loss. (by Tyler Huckabee) Brad Onishi’s Answer To Fighting Extremism Isn’t What You Want To Hear | Just because we are the United States and this supposed “city on a hill” doesn’t mean it can’t happen here. (by Josiah R. Daniels) Deep Breaths  Thank you to everyone who sends us encouragement. Special gratitude to longtime Sojourners supporter Tom Eggleston, whose hymn “Imagine Love” was inspired by last week’s Deep Breaths. My heart sings with you, Tom. Please give it a listen.  We Can’t Look Away God’s heart has to be breaking right now. We might choose to look away—close our eyes, turn down the volume—but God does not. God sees what is happening in Palestine. In a world numbed by the illusion of scarcity and fueled by an ideology of greed, the Divine still calls us to see—to pay attention, to care, to act. At the very least, our hearts should break too. Letting our hearts break is not easy. It means being vulnerable. It means feeling what we’ve tried to outrun. The tears might come. Our breath might slow. We might want to retreat from the weight of such cruelty. But we must not look away. To turn from suffering is to risk losing our own humanity. With broken hearts, we are called to speak and act—not because we have all the answers, but because we are human, and other humans are dying needlessly. Greed and cruelty created and are sustaining this crisis–and history will remember who stayed silent and who stood up for those cast aside. We cannot look away–not until our heartbreak becomes action. Sign our petition. Call your representatives. Support aid efforts. Write letters. Say something. Every small act matters. Every act of courage helps build a future rooted in justice and compassion. Let your heartbreak move you. — Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Program Director, 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 Mobilizing and Policy Assistant: Miriam Tellez Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims

EarthBeat Weekly: Church in Africa reflects on 10 years of Laudato Si'

Church in Africa reflects on 10 years of Laudato Si' Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change August 1, 2025 Cardinal Peter Turkson addresses the Laudato Si’ Africa Conference 2025 near Kampala, Uganda. (Photo courtesy Bethany Land Institute) When several dozen U.S. bishops met last year to discuss how the Catholic Church in the U.S. has responded to Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', their assessment was bleak. While some dioceses have taken up initiatives in the spirit of Laudato Si', as the bishops at the 2024 private conference concluded, the U.S. church overall has failed to embrace the now-late pontiff's climate goals. Now in 2025, the 10th anniversary year of the landmark encyclical, the U.S. church continues to dawdle in addressing the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, pollution and other issues of environmental justice. But a look at other regions of the world tells a different story.  For example, a conference at the Bethany Land Institute, a nonprofit ecological education center north of Kampala in Uganda, last week assessed how the church in Africa has responded to the same church teachings. And they reached a different conclusion than the bishops in the U.S. "Ten years ago, Pope Francis made a bold call to care for our common home," said Fr. Emmanuel Katongole, a Notre Dame professor of theology and peace studies who co-founded the institute, in his opening remarks at the gathering. "Across Africa, communities rose to the call, building hope from the soil and the spirit of science." "In different parts of Africa, preaching moved to action. Where there was a lack of civic space for climate activism or advocacy, Laudato Si' has been the best tool," said Steven Kezamutima, African programs coordinator for the Laudato Si' Movement. "Climate issues were in the Catholic social teachings, but for the first time, the church opened the door for climate conversation." "Cyclones, droughts and other extreme weather events across the continent have ravaged communities and ecosystems. The international community is yet to get its house in order about a comprehensive and just plan of action to address the crisis we face," said Allen Ottaro, founder and executive director of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa. Humans must "change the way we do and then become a little bit more brotherly or a little bit more sisterly towards creation as Pope Francis would have us think and do," said Cardinal Peter Turkson, who heads the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences, in his keynote address. "Francis wants us to recognize that we are ecological citizens and, in a sense, ecological citizenship, to learn and to feel with the earth. So hearing the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor requires a sense of ecological citizenship" Read more: Ten years after Pope Francis' Laudato Si', Catholic ecologists assess its impact on Africa     What else is new on EarthBeat:   Vatican strikes solar farm deal to become the world's first carbon-neutral state by Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Italy agreed to a Vatican plan to turn a 430-hectare (1,000-acre) field north of Rome, once the source of controversy between the two, into a vast solar farm that the Holy See hopes will generate enough electricity to meet its needs and turn Vatican City into the world's first carbon-neutral state.   What's your environmental impact? Catholic groups' platform makes it easy to find out by Kimberley Heatherington, OSV News The platform allows both individuals and groups to offset some of their carbon footprint, encouraging lifestyle changes among members.   Sisters support defense of Apache sacred site, 'religious freedom for Native Americans' by Chris Herlinger Activists are fighting a copper mine planned for a site sacred to Apache people. "Religious freedom for Christians looks one way right now, and religious freedom for Native Americans another," said a Loretto Community co-member.   Yellowstone has been a ‘sacred wonderland’ of spiritual power and religious activity for centuries — and for different faith groups by Thomas S. Bremer, The Conversation Native American groups were aware of the region’s dramatic features. Since the national park’s creation, other faiths have also been inspired by its beauty, from Christians to New Age groups.   What's happening in other climate news: Trump EPA proposes revoking pollution limits based in part on document authored by 5 climate contrarians —Ella Nilsen and Andrew Freedman for CNN Trump yanks millions of acres of ocean designated for wind —Ari Natter for Bloomberg News Why this Pennsylvania city put Its streetlights on a dimmer —Cara Buckley, visuals by Danielle Amy for The New York Times In the past two years, solar power has begun to transform the world’s energy system. —Bill McKibben for The New Yorker Pope Leo XIV: A change of course is needed on environment —Tiziana Campisi for Vatican News As UN plastic treaty talks face possible deadlock, what are the ways forward? —Tosca Ballerini for Mongabay UN human rights experts and scientists urge Brazil's president to veto a law that would cut environmental reviews —Bob Berwyn for Inside Climate News   Final Beat: This week's Final Beat comes from an excerpt of NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe's recent column for the Inside NCR newsletter, delivered weekly to NCR Forward members. (You can receive it in the future by becoming an NCR Forward member.) Negotiations on the international plastics treaty resume next week in Geneva, Switzerland. I reported in December on the last round of talks, which fell short of delivering an expected deal. "I am supportive of having one more session, or however many sessions I guess it takes to reach something that will truly address the plastic crisis," said St. Joseph Sr. Patty Johnson, who attended the talks in Busan, South Korea. The amount of plastic produced today — 400 million tons, the vast majority created from fossil fuels — is set to double by 2040 and triple by 2060. Less than 10% of plastic globally is recycled. Many plastic items cannot be recycled at all. Catholics engaging in plastic treaty talks told me their concern is how plastic pollution harms ecosystems and the health of humans and other creatures, given the thousands of chemicals used in creating plastics, their rampant littering of land and water, and the ever-growing prevalence of microplastics.  Pope Francis called it "criminal" to dump plastic in the sea, and often lamented a "throwaway culture" that discards items almost as quickly as they're acquired. A plastic bag is used 10 to 15 minutes before it's discarded, studies estimate, while it can take nearly five years to fully degrade on land, and potentially far longer in the sea. Estimates for single-use plastic bottles to fully break down range from a couple years to thousands. How the plastic treaty addresses plastic production — with single-use plastics making up nearly 40% of present-day production — will be one major aspect I'll be watching in the proceedings in Geneva. But I'll also be keeping an ear out for how, and if, negotiators respond to what Catholics and other people of faith say is as crucial as terms on a paper: a substantial cultural change in how societies around the globe use and discard plastic items as a regular part of daily life.  Thanks for reading EarthBeat. Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@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

GreenFaith - One Week Left: Join Our Final Faiths 4 Climate Justice Welcome Call & Other Sun Day Events

GreenFaith USA has exciting updates to share–from new Circles and programs to powerful upcoming events. We know as authoritarian threats grow and critical environmental and social protections face cuts, we must remain unwavering in our mission: to respond with bold, faith-rooted action. This is a time for moral courage and spiritual organizing. Don’t miss these opportunities to connect, organize, and act for justice with a community grounded in hope and conviction. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join us for our FINAL GreenFaith Welcome Call for F4CJ: Sun Day This is it—our final Faiths 4 Climate Justice: Sun Day Welcome Call is just one week away. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get involved, this is your chance. In just 60 powerful minutes, we’ll ground ourselves in our shared spiritual purpose, walk you through the Sun Day action plan, clarify roles, provide ready-to-use materials, and answer all your questions—logistics, safety, media, outreach, and more. We need your voice, your courage, and your community. Come ready to learn, connect, and prepare—to host an event, bring your congregation or campus, and help spark a wave of spiritually rooted, nonviolent action for climate justice this September. The Earth is calling. This is our time. Sign up now to join the final Welcome Call on Thursday, August 7th at 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET. Register Now for the Welcome Call ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why join Faiths 4 Climate Justice: Sun Day? Because we are forming a national interfaith network for climate justice—a constellation of courage. When you join next Thursday’s Welcome Call and take part in our trainings and workshops, you become part of something bigger than a single event. You’re stepping into a national, spiritually grounded movement where people of all faiths and backgrounds are coming together to take bold, public action for climate justice. This is more than organizing—it’s about building real community. We get to know each other, we share ideas, and we support one another with tools, creativity, and spirit. Just ask Mike Mulberry, a GreenFaith leader from Michigan, who at a Soular Circle Leaders Call recently shared his Spotify playlist filled with songs about the Sun to energize Sun Day gatherings. It’s that kind of joyful connection—whether through music, shared prayers, outreach tools, sermons, or event ideas—that makes this movement a vibrant constellation of courage. All the materials we share amongst our leaders, activists and friends are meant to be shared as a community; which is why we’re giving you access to Mike’s playlist here! Listen to the Soular Powered Playlist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming F4CJ: Sun Day Events From Climate Grief to Earth Courage Call Monday, August 4th 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET Join us for a special From Climate Grief to Earth Courage call to honor Joanna Macy, share in community, and find strength through GreenFaith’s Climate Grief Circles—where, as she taught, “The heart that breaks open can contain the whole universe.” Register Here for the From Climate Grief to Earth Courage Call F4CJ: Sun Day Generating Soular Power Organizing Training Wednesday, August 6th, 9:00am PT / 12:00pm ET Join us for our Generating Soular Power Relational Organizing Call—a space to build deep, values-driven connections, share organizing strategies, and tap into the collective energy that powers our movement for climate justice from the inside out. Register Here for the Generating Soular Power Organizing Training F4CJ: Sun Day - Final Welcome Call Thursday, August 7th, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET Join us for the final Welcome Call on Thursday, August 7th to get grounded, inspired, and ready to take action. This is your last chance to connect with others, access tools and resources, and prepare for bold, spiritually-rooted climate action this September. Register Here for the Welcome Call --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with the GreenFaith Virtual Calendar GreenFaith now has a calendar you can access online. View and add this calendar to get automatic updates, notifications and registration links for GreenFaith’s public events. View & Add Calendar Here --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want more ways to keep in touch with us? Follow GreenFaith USA on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, X --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be a steward of GreenFaith’s growing interfaith climate justice movement through your gifts and generosity. Give Now