Michigan faith leaders lament environmental policy harms and chart a path forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 15th, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – On Monday, September 15th, local faith leaders gathered at Ah-Nab-Awen Park to lament rollbacks on environmental policies and the resulting harm to Michigan communities. Speakers highlighted environmental justice concerns around PFAS pollution in our local watersheds and the connection to our public health. Organized by Creation Justice Ministries and co-sponsored by Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, A Rocha USA, Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes, Plainsong Farm & Ministry, as well as eleven national co-sponsors, this event was in celebration of the Season of Creation, a time in the Christian liturgical calendar to celebrate, to honor and to care for Creation.  

Statement from Leah Wiste, Executive Director of Michigan Interfaith Power & Light:

"Today's event was both a celebration and a lament. Our spirits are buoyed by the good work of Michigan communities like Grand Rapids, who are caring for their residents by reducing climate pollution and preparing for extreme weather impacts. At the same time, our hearts ache for everyone who has been and will be harmed by the Trump administration's reckless disregard for science, decency, and the common good. We gather in community because all of this is too much to hold by ourselves." 

Statement from Avery Davis Lamb, Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries: 

“From the Sermon on the Mount to his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus’ ministry reveals that public witness lies at the heart of our faith. Today, as we launch the Season of Creation and our Witness for Creation Justice campaign, we stand together in that same spirit of witness—naming the harms inflicted on God’s world, and proclaiming that another way is possible. Joined by the whole community of creation, we declare that caring for our common home is not optional; it is central to who we are as followers of Christ.”

Statement from Jessica Eimer Bowen, Promoter of Justice for the Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids: 

“The Dominican Sisters have never stood on the sidelines—they have walked alongside the poor and vulnerable and defended God’s creation. Their lives remind us that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to act. As we gather for this Season of Creation witness event, we are called to live a little more Dominican: to love our neighbors, honor the dignity of every person, follow the nonviolent way of Jesus Christ, care for creation, and be a flame of truth, hope, and mercy.”

For questions, please contact Madison Mayhew: [email protected], 770-359-8417.