02/06/2025
I am so looking forward to this spring's EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest in Duluth - April 5. The keynote speakers are amazing: Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda (join The Ministry Lab - https://www.theministrylab.org/ - or two other options to discuss her book) and Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy -Native Theologian and storyteller, extraordinaire. Come be re-energized and find some hope to share with others.
Why are we talking about midwives?
Dear Friend,
If you are reading this message, it probably means you are deeply concerned about the escalating climate crisis and its impacts on the health, homes, and lives of people around our country and world. You hear Creation crying out to us as floods, fires, droughts, and hurricanes become more frequent and intense, as glaciers recede, and as all of God’s creatures suffer. You may be alarmed by the actions being taken under the new U.S. administration to dismantle environmental and other protections. Science tells us that this is the last decade when we still have a chance to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global heating. Instead, we are heading in the wrong direction. The powers who are creating this crisis do not seem to care.
If you are feeling fear, grief, outrage, and powerlessness, know this -- you are not alone.
As we searched for a theme for this year’s EcoFaith Summit, we were drawn to a little-known story about two midwives to the Hebrews from the first chapter of Exodus. The descendants of Jacob, climate refugees from Palestine, had lived in Egypt for many generations. The new ruler, threatened by their presence, used every means possible to control and destroy them. When forced labor did not stop them from having children, he ordered the midwives to the Hebrews to kill baby boys as soon as they were born. Two of these midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refused to be powerless and defied his cruel command. Revering the God of life more than they feared the Pharaoh, they were faithful to their vocation to support women in labor to give birth. By refusing to be intimidated and defeated by a power-hungry ruler, they saved lives. They became Midwives of Hope to the suffering Hebrews and to all who encounter their story.
These midwives are the models we need right now.
This is what this year’s EcoFaith Summit is about. When Creation is crying, when lives are being harmed, when Life itself is threatened, we cannot capitulate to despair or try to act alone. Creation is calling us to become midwives of hope. Together we can help give birth to the creative courage to ACT for the protection, regeneration, and healing of our imperiled Creation.
When you come to the EcoFaith Summit on April 5, you will know that you are not alone. Together with other people of faith and conscience from our congregations, communities, campuses, and camps, we will find moral courage for becoming midwives of hope for the healing of Creation.
Your friends from the EcoFaith Summit Planning Team
Rev. Kristin Foster, Rev. David Carlson, Rev. Beth Pottratz, Dr. Deacon Diane Jacobson, Rev. Greg Kaufmann, Rev. Emily Meyer, Luke Pederson SAM/Seminary Student, Rev. Dianne Loufman, Laurel Boyer, Paul Jacobson, Rev. John Sippola, Rev. Jonathan Dodson
Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA NWSWI Creation CareNorthwest Synod of Wisconsin - ELCA
https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ecofaith-summit-2025
