Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice (ICEJ) is a volunteer organization of San Diego faith leaders and communities that advocate for climate and environmental justice both in policy and in the public square. We believe that the values held in common by all faith traditions include the care for creation and care for the most vulnerable in society.

Some of you may know that in ecumenical circles September is the Season of Creation and that means that many organizations–ICEJ among them–take this opportunity to sponsor creation care programs. We have three strong events which are described below and I know it is not likely you can do all three, BUT I urge you to make sure you do at least one of these!  If you want to respond prayerfully to this administration’s ecological and energy policies (“earth destroying” is not too strong a word), then standing (or sitting) in silence at our monthly Vigil is for you (and I will add that many found August’s Vigil very powerful. Twenty six attended and we hope to double that number). If you want to emphasize the positive, then our Sun Day Picnic looking toward the inevitable solar future and helping to make it happen is your animal.  And if you believe that the earth’s wars and our military are playing a huge role in climate change and earth pollution–and that that needs to change – join us for the Wars Rage panel discussion. Our world, our future is under threat – I think we all know that. We respond with prayer and with action!

Blessings,

Phil Petrie, ICEJ Co-Chairperson

In silence – We resist greed and indifference.  We stand with the suffering.  We pray for earth repair.

As members of various faiths, we are called to stand together in silence for and solidarity with our Earth at this time of climate chaos and environmental devastation driven by human greed and indifference.  We call out and resist federal policies that have reversed the progress made in addressing climate disruption and the ruthless steps of the current administration to monetize Earth in our name.  

Join us at our next Vigil on Monday, Sept. 8 12-1 PM at the U.S. District Court building, 385 W. Broadway.  Please wear black if you can–and if standing for 40 minutes will be difficult for you, feel free to bring a folding stool.  This event is open to persons of faith and no faith--do join us!!

For more information contact Phil Petrie at phil@icejsd.org.  Please register here.

These Vigils will be held monthly, same time and location, on these dates–Mon. Oct. 6; Mon. Nov. 3; and Mon. Dec. 1.

As the sun sets on many opportunities for increasing our solar energy infrastructure response to the climate crisis, people across the United States are launching a bold new chapter in the struggle to repair the Earth.  Leading up to these efforts, on Saturday, September 13 from 10:30 am to 12:30 PM the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice will celebrate a family-friendly Sun Day Picnic for our Solar Future with speeches, games, music and general merriment. Co-sponsors include GreenFaith, a global interfaith organization working to protect people and our planet; SanDiego350, a volunteer-led non-profit working to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice; and Third Act, an elder-led movement for climate action and democracy protection.  All are welcome to this FREE event!  

Bring your Brown Bag Brunch & Beverage to 2601 Jacaranda Pl, Morley Field in Balboa Park -- we’ll supply the vegan desserts, music, and dynamic speakers (including Bill Powers and Isaiah Glasoe of Public Power San Diego and Dave Rosenfeld of Solar Rights Alliance) to address what we can do in California and especially in San Diego to make that future happen. Please remember to bring a camping chair, hat, reusable water bottle, and sunscreen. 

Register here for reminders and more detailed information! 

Contact Rhea Kuhlman rheakuhlman2@gmail.com with questions.

The military industrial complex is an existential threat to all life on planet earth. San Diego County is home to the highest concentration of active duty military service members in the world and has a robust defense industry component in its regional economy.  The US military is also the single largest institutional consumer of fossil fuels and emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world.  With the military budget exceeding $1 trillion, at the expense of all other social spending, and the effects of the climate crisis manifesting daily, as well as an ongoing international arms race, isn’t it time to carefully examine the military’s contribution to the climate crisis?

Join us on Friday, Sept. 26 from 7-9 PM in the Gathering Place of the Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Place for Wars Rage As the World Burns: The Ecological Impact of War and Militarism in San Diego with speakers and plentiful Q&A. 

For more info contact: Gary Butterfield, garyvfp@gmail.com. 

Our primary sponsors are the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice, the Peace Resource Center and Veterans For Peace.

• Our partner org, SanDiego350 is always busy with earth justice events – list here.

• And here's another community program led by ICEJ Working Group member Susan Cass Awakening the Sacred Wild: A new, local eco-spiritual book group (reading John Phillip Newell’s Sacred Earth Sacred Soul)  Fridays - Sept. 12 & 26, Oct. 10 & 24, Nov. 21  1:00-2:30 PM, The Lumberyard Shopping District, 967 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas.  Questions–contact: Susan Cass at susanpanniercass@gmail.com (More info here)
  

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego’s Care for Creation Ministry has a robust series of events for Season of Creation–find them here.

For a list of all ICEJ sponsored events visit our calendar of events here

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