Washington, DC – October 20, 2023 – Creation Justice Ministries, a leading faith-based organization dedicated to environmental advocacy, proudly announces its 40th-anniversary celebration with a Service of Celebration on October 26, 2023. For four decades, Creation Justice Ministries has tirelessly worked to advance environmental justice, representing denominations across Christian traditions and inspiring individuals nationwide to protect, restore, and equitably share God’s creation.
The Service of Celebration will take place at Foundry United Methodist Church, located at 1500 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, starting at 7:00 pm. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed with ASL interpretation, and the link will be sent to registrants closer to the date. While there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is requested.
“For the past 40 years, we too have weathered figurative and literal storms of biblical proportions. Our world has been engulfed in the wilderness of disconnection from God’s good creation. Yet, in this moment, we are more convinced than ever that the Christian story can offer guidance and hope for the path ahead,” offers Avery Davis Lamb, co-Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries.
“We invite all to join us for this Service of Celebration, where we will reflect on our 40-year history and look towards a challenging yet hopeful future of action,” said Karyn Bigelow, co-Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries.
The keynote preacher for the event will be the esteemed Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., a distinguished advocate and founder of the environmental justice movement. Dr. Chavis, who has been at the forefront of civil rights and creation justice, will deliver an inspiring message at the Service of Celebration. His journey includes working alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., coining the term “environmental racism,” and holding leadership positions with organizations such as the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice, the NAACP, and the National Council of Churches. Dr. Chavis currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
“God’s creation in all of its magnitude, diversity, beauty, and equilibrium demands equal justice and sustainability for all of humanity and the universe. Divine creation matters,” said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr.
“We are honored to have Dr. Chavis join us as our keynote preacher. From his leadership in the Warren County toxic waste protests in 1982 to today, his dedication to the intersection of civil rights and environmental justice has been a beacon of courage and action for all in the struggle for justice,” Rev. Brooks Berndt, Environmental Justice Minister for the United Church Christ and Vice-Chair of Creation Justice Ministries Board of Directors added.
The Service of Celebration will also feature the world premiere of two choral pieces by renowned musician and composer Ken Medema and Cathy Chamblee: “Sacred Earth” and “Elegy for a Glacier.” Known for using music to foster meaningful conversations and reflections, Ken Medema’s work aligns perfectly with the mission of Creation Justice Ministries.
“Social movements thrive when they have the support of songs. We hope the new music sung at Foundry UMC on Thursday night will become a thread of hope in the tapestry of the search for creation justice,” said Ken Medema, featured musician and composer
“This special occasion will be made even more memorable with the musical talents of Ken Medema. For as long as Creation Justice Ministries has been engaged in justice work, Ken Medema has been a strong voice of faith and justice in the U.S. Both his new compositions and improvised music will deepen our connection to each other and God’s good earth.” said Rev. Sarah Macias, Alliance of Baptists representative to Creation Justice Ministries.
“We are truly grateful for our long history of partnership with Creation Justice Ministries and all the ways they help us equip congregations dedicated to caring for creation.” said Jessica Maudlin, Associate for Sustainable Living and Earth Care Concerns for the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A). “We hope that Presbyterians will join us as we celebrate Creation Justice Ministries’ 40 years of dedicated service, and look forward to a future filled with hope, action, and environmental justice for all.”
To attend this inspirational Service of Celebration and be part of the momentous 40th anniversary milestone, please register in advance by visiting creationjustice.org/40th-anniversary-celebration.
About Creation Justice Ministries:
Creation Justice Ministries is a faith-based organization that has spent four decades advocating for environmental justice and the equitable stewardship of God’s creation. Representing diverse Christian denominations, Creation Justice Ministries has been instrumental in inspiring and empowering people across the nation to protect and restore the environment while promoting justice for all.