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.

Last week, the ICEJ Working Group voted overwhelmingly to endorse Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, based on the current Administration’s clearly demonstrated agenda of suppressing the voters’ voice and its record of cruelty, injustice, disregard for science, and lack of compassion for the environment. Left unchecked, we believe that pro-fossil fuel actions will continue and that the earth justice principles that ICEJ believes in will continue to be violated and reversed.

Review of the official position statements of the various faiths represented on the Working Group showed that, while national-level organizations generally were officially neutral, various California-based faith organizations actively endorsed Proposition 50. Reasons included the need to protect democracy and to represent vulnerable groups, the call of justice, and the fact that Prop 50 is a response to the unilateral action by the Texas legislature.

The Working Group hopes that this decision will inspire and guide ICEJ’s members in their individual thoughts, words, and deeds regarding the ballot. As we consider how ICEJ can best work with other organizations to promote awareness and support for Prop 50, we encourage suggestions from members. October 28 is, fittingly, National Vote Early Day. Please be sure to complete and send in your ballot as soon as possible. 

And if you are interested in helping to get Prop 50 passed, SD350 has a number of opportunities – there is a webinar on this Thurs. October 16 and doorknocking on Sat. Oct. 25.

Written by Ken Kobayashi

The next volunteer opportunity with our Hands in the Soil program is on Saturday, Oct. 18th from  9:00 - 11:00 AM when you are invited to lend a hand at FARM LAB, a 10-acre non-profit organic garden that grows produce supplied to local school districts. Farm Lab promotes sustainability awareness and provides climate change education to students locally while inspiring other like-minded school districts nationwide. Farm Lab, at 441 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024, is a nationally recognized Farm to School program!

Saturday volunteering typically includes bed prep, weeding, and hedgerow maintenance. Sometimes, there are harvesting or transplant needs.  Volunteers ages 14 yrs or older are welcome. All instructions and tools are provided. Many hands make light work! 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Susan Cass   Email: susanpanniercass@gmail.com

• ICEJ’s next Interfaith Vigil for Earth Justice is on Mon. Nov. 3rd at  12-1 PM at the U.S. District Court building, 385 W. Broadway – more info here.
• Save the Date–our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving for the Earth: Interfaith “Kite” Day will be on Sun Nov. 23rd at 2 - 4 PM at Ski Beach in Mission Bay.
  
• Our partner org, SanDiego350 is always busy with earth justice events – list here.
  
• Next No Kings March is Sat. Oct. 18th at  9-11 AM – more info here.  You need to be there!!!

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

Donate to support Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice and the work we are doing to educate, equip and mobilize our communities of faith to advocate for earth justice.