Creation Care
In Jesus, God so loved the whole world. We follow Jesus, so we love the world God loves. Concerned for the global climate emergency, drawing on diverse approaches for our diverse contexts, we commit to form and restore loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with all of Creation.
– Creation Care, The Episcopal Church
Our Mission
The Council’s mission is to bear witness through the people of the Diocese of Maine to the need for justice in our relations with all living things, with those on the margins who bear the brunt of climate change, and with all creation. We aim to advocate, network and inspire through education, action, and worship so that the Diocese as a whole might fulfill its calling to care for creation.
For more information email Sarah Braik or staff liaison, Emily Keniston, Director of Faith Formation.
The Council will fulfill its mission through:
- Spiritual Practices and Grounding – To serve as a clearinghouse for liturgical and theological resources and to promote and encourage their use so that the people of the Diocese may become more engaged in climate justice and discover a deeper relationship with God through caring for creation
- Advocacy – To promote at the national, state, and Diocesan level justice issues, legislation, and social action
- Networking and Communication – So that every parish may have resources and knowledge that promote sustainable living and to educate ourselves about other efforts being made by church or secular earth-keeping organizations
Our Work
The Climate Justice Council held its first meeting in February 2021. Made up of 9 members from across the state, the Council is busy at work. We drafted a climate resolution for Diocesan Convention. which was passed in October 2022. The Declaration of Climate Emergency and Encourage the Observance of the Season of Creation encourages all parishes to participate annually in the Season of Creation September 1 through October 4, to appoint an Earth Keeper to create a parish Covenant for Care of Creation, and to involve and invite the participation of young people. The Council provides Earth Keeper support and resources. We have also provided the Earth Week Liturgy you can find in the Resource Library, led several Diocesan Sunday services, given a presentation at a Province I convocation and created a policy briefing for a meeting the Bishop attended with Senator Angus King. Legislative updates are provided by Director of Public Advocacy for the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, John Hennessy, who on behalf of the Council has submitted testimony in support of LD 480, a Constitutional amendment ensuring a right for all Mainers to a healthy environment. Two members have been appointed to represent the Council on the Diocesan Justice Commission. The Council will be seeking active youth participation.
Our Members
Sarah Braik, Chair
Rev. Elaine Hewes
Rev. Peter Jenks
Emily Keniston, Staff Liaison
Marianne Pinkham
The Rev. Dr. Jenny Reece
Barbara Ryland
Meredith Tipton
Stephen Ward
Creation Care Resources
Document
For Earth Day, Honor the Wabanaki’s Response to the Climate Crisis (2023)
Video
Recording of Justice Commission Town Hall 2/7/2023
Link
Expressing the Mind of the House on Climate and Our Vocation in Christ
Link
Creation Justice Ministries Lenten 2023 Resource
Form
Take a Survey to Find Out What You Can Do About Climate Change
Link
Wild Worship Field Guide
Article
Read More About Climate Change and Environmental Issues