"Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut does not belong to any company. She belongs to her family, she belongs to the Salish Sea, she belongs to herself. It is our Xa xalh Xechnging (sacred obligation) to bring her home. Her spirit is strong, as is ours."
Recent News
Interfaith Petition to President Biden at COP26
We are joining with National Interfaith Power and Light to gather signatures from people of faith around the country on a petition to President Biden, urging him to be a leader in climate crisis response at COP26. Let’s demonstrate that people of faith in the U.S. are watching the negotiations, and urging the U.S. to do its fair share at COP26.
Traveling Climate Change Display
University Congregational UCC’s Sacred Earth Matters Committee has created a traveling climate change display that you can host at your house of worship, school, or community organization. The display is often used in conjunction with an educational climate change program, and is available for use one month at a time. Its purpose is to dramatically raise awareness, educate, encourage, and motivate collective and personal action.
Hello from Earth Ministry/WAIPL’s Interim Executive Director
Dear Earth Ministry/WAIPL community, Hello! My name is Nancy Osborn Nicholas and I am the Interim Executive Director for Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light. I am honored to be here in the wake of LeeAnne's leadership and am excited to help guide Earth Ministry/WAIPL in this time of transition and growth. Photo credit: Martin Sojka
MNCJ Net of Interconnection Project
In the fall of 2021, The Multifaith Network for Climate Justice (MNCJ), an Earth Ministry/WAIPL affiliate, initiated a community Net of Interconnection project. The inspiration for this project is rooted in the mythic story of Indra’s Net. MNCJ’s Net of Interconnection was created with the intention that it would “travel” throughout Whatcom County faith and wisdom communities as well as houses of worship to display, and additions to the Net would be made along the way.
Highlights from NW Tribes’ Salmon & Orca Summit
Click to watch a video of highlights of the NW Tribes' Salmon & Orca Summit on July 6-7, 2021, put together by the Nez Perce Tribe (Nimiipuu).
Blessings on the Journey: a final farewell from Executive Director LeeAnne Beres
Dear Earth Ministry/WAIPL community, Well friends, here it is: the last message from LeeAnne at Earth Ministry. Today is my final day as Executive Director, and I wanted to wish you a fond farewell.
Ask Tacoma City Council to listen to the Puyallup Tribe
On August 25, the Tacoma City Council IPS Committee is holding a meeting for government-to-government feedback from the Puyallup Tribe on the non-interim regulations process. In the lead up to the meeting, Earth Ministry/WAIPL is asking people of faith to send a message to the IPS Committee asking them to listen to the Puyallup Tribe and incorporate their requests. Photo credit: Tender Young Pony of Insomnia
Speak Up for Clean Water: Comment on PFAS Drinking Water Standard
Clean water is a matter of stewardship and justice. The Earth Ministry/WAIPL community has been raising this moral message within Washington State's process to set limits for toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Now, the Department of Health is finalizing their PFAS drinking water standard, and your action is needed for the final rule to set a high bar. Photo credit: Erich Ferdinand
Virtual Farewell Party for Outgoing Executive Director, LeeAnne Beres
LeeAnne has been an outstanding Executive Director over the last 16 years. Her visionary leadership brought faithful advocacy into Earth Ministry’s mission, and she now leaves us well on our way to living out our 2020-2025 strategic plan. LeeAnne has poured her heart into this organization. Before she departs, let’s celebrate her with a heartfelt send-off!
A Statement from the Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities regarding Indigenous Boarding Schools, July 2021
While we know that any response to the horrible news of unmarked mass graves at Residential Schools in Canada is inadequate, we also know that our lament must lead to action. We recognize that, though these atrocities are making headlines and receiving the attention of the world now, tribal communities have been testifying for years to the truth of forced removal, assimilation, abuse, and death perpetrated through boarding schools.
Netse Mot for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut
On August 8, 2021, the 51th anniversary of the forcible taking of Salish Sea orca relations from Penn Cove, Washington, ATNI President Leonard Forsman, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Councillor Charlene Aleck, and other guests joined Lummi matriarchs at the “Netse Mot for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut” virtual event and called for the return of the last surviving stolen orca.
For Everything There is a Season: A message from Executive Director LeeAnne Beres and the Board Executive Committee
Dear Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light community, As it is said in Ecclesiastes, “For everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” After 16 years of pouring my heart and soul into Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light (WAIPL), I’m writing to let you know that the time has come for me to move on as Executive Director. My last day serving this community will be August 31. Photo credit: peter.more
Win on PFAS in Food Packaging
This spring, over 130 people of faith asked the Department of Ecology to speed up the phase out of PFAS in food packaging. They heard us and changed their timeline, thanks to you!
Support Earth Ministry/WAIPL’s Growth
Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light has exciting news to share – we're hiring a Multifaith Outreach Coordinator. We are taking a leap of faith and moving forward with hiring this position without yet having all the necessary funds in hand. Choosing to live in abundance rather than scarcity, we know that this new role is vital to helping us meet our mission. We also know that the generosity and commitment of the Earth Ministry/WAIPL community will help make it possible. For that, we are grateful. Photo credit: homegets.com_David Stewart