Land

Access to land  is one of the most tangible issues of environmental justice; in addition, beautiful, pristine lands help us feel a sense of awe at the marvel of God's creation and allow us to reflect on and connect to our spirituality. Here are some actions that religious groups have taken to conserve and ensure access to public lands:
National Parks and Public Lands
Offshore Drilling
News
  • In September 2020, black church leaders in North Carolina and South Carolina urged Secretary Bernhardt to remove William Pendley as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management, citing racism concerns.
  • In February 2019, Creation Justice Ministries applauded passage of Congressional lands package.
  • In a February 2019 letter, 20 Arizona religious leaders opposed uranium mining in the Grand Canyon.
  • NRPE and Tougaloo college sponsored an event on the Medgar Evers house in Jackson, MS, on Nov. 27, 2018.
  • Religious leaders across the country sent a letter to Vice President Pence calling for protection of public lands and national monuments.
  • In a letter to Secretary Zinke, religious leaders oppose offshore drilling. Click here to view the press release.
  • In a letter to President Trump, prominent Jewish leaders call for protecting Bears Ears National Monument and the Antiquities Act.
  • In a letter to Trump's inauguration speakers, faith leaders ask for them to highlight the importance of a protected climate, clean air, water, and lands. View the letter here.
  • Faith groups sent a letter to U.S. Senators urging them to keep in place the Stream Protection Rule. Click here to view the letter. 
  • More than 40 national and state religious organizations voice support for Civil Rights National Monument desigations.
  • Religious organizations speak out for protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 
  • North Carolina Counci of Churches opposes offshore drilling in letter to President Obama.
  • Religious institutions urge Congressman Bishop to support the Antiquities Act.
  • Faith organizations thank President Obama for his monument designation leadership and use of the Antiquities Act for land and marine protection
  • Religious leaders in Ohio sent a letter to Congressman Joyce urging protection of the Antiquities Act.
  • Religious organizations sent a letter to Congress urging them to keep Vieques National Wildlife Refuge in the refuge system. Click here for the letter and also the ad.
  • Black church leaders in Ohio sent a letter to Senator Portman on the Antiquities Act.
  • Ads in North Carolina calling for protection of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
  • ​Seven religious leaders, who represent 137 congregations in southern New Mexico, sent Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich a thank you letter in December 2013 for proposed legislation to protect the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks region. For more information and to read the story, click here.  ​