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The United Church of Christ's (UCC) Earth Summit took place virtually on April 26, 2025, facilitated by Environmental Justice Minister Brooks Berndt. This year's summit, in collaboration with the South Central Conference and First Congregational Church of Fort Worth, Texas, also included an in-person gathering.
The event began with UCC General Minister and President, Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, quoting Jeremiah 29:11. Thompson expressed optimism for the summit's commitment to aiding communities affected by climate-related issues.
Rev. Arlene Turner, chair of the South Central Conference Board, referenced viewing eagle activity to emphasize the importance of listening to nature in their covenantal partnerships.
Berndt introduced a new partnership with Creation Justice Ministries to broaden the UCC's Creation Justice Church program to an ecumenical format, encompassing over 30 denominations. “We will be connecting, uniting, and working with other denominations on creation justice like never before,” Berndt stated. Avery Davis Lamb, executive director of Creation Justice Ministries, highlighted the partnership's potential to energize church congregations for environmental advocacy, calling it a "living sign of resurrection hope."
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe delivered the keynote address, urging attendees to view every day as Earth Day and highlighting the accelerated consumption of Earth's resources. Hayhoe asserted, “This is quite literally about saving us,” and called for political accountability.
Asylum Hill Congregational Church of Hartford, Connecticut received the first Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award during the summit.
In a panel titled "Climate Justice in a Toxic World," three local grassroots activists, Dr. Marsha Jackson, Caleb Roberts, and Emmanual Davis, shared their experiences combatting environmental racism in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The panel was moderated by Michael Slatterly from the First Congregational Church of Fort Worth.
Berndt announced an upcoming webinar with Charles Lee on May 14, "A Relentless Struggle for Justice," followed by gratitude to the sponsors, United Church Funds and Cornerstone Fund.
For more information and to view the summit, visit the UCC website; content is copyrighted and sharing must adhere to UCC guidelines.
