Our synod’s Care of Creation Work Group works closely with the EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod and the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin to plan and sponsor an annual EcoFaith Summit. I attended the 2025 event on April 5 with 240 others at First Lutheran Church in Duluth. Another 154 registered for the livestream. About 50 people attended from the Saint Paul Area Synod (in person or online). This powerful day had a theme of “Earth’s Cries, Earth’s Call: Becoming Midwives of Hope for the Healing of Creation.”
This was an incredibly inspiring event, and it was very well organized. I was particularly moved by the keynote address by Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda author of Building a Moral Economy: Pathways for People of Courage. Dr. Moe-Lobeda is a theological ethicist. She said clearly that this is the most important and consequential time to be alive. Creation is desperate for us to change our ways. Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy’s response to the keynote address was filled with insight and wisdom.
From worship, prayers, workshops and other activities, the event’s goals included:
- HEAR God’s call through the cries of Creation.
- NAME the powers destroying Creation and holding us captive.
- STAND WITH Creation through bold community action.
- HELP GIVE BIRTH to creative resistance for the healing of Creation.
I was also inspired by the worship experiences and diving deep into the story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus. These two wise midwives did not comply with an unjust demand from the pharaoh (the powers that be). We heard and sang original music that was written for the event! There were workshops about pollinator plots, community organizing, moving toward a renewable economy, protecting our waters, and many other topics. We had many opportunities for connection while we learned ways to take action, one of which was through a letter-writing campaign to our elected leaders.
One quote from a beautiful piece of art made of driftwood from Lake Superior said: “Channel my strength, rise with fierce love to protect what cannot speak.”
Our thanks to the Saint Paul Area Synod’s Care of Creation team, which took on a major role in planning and organizing this event. Many volunteer hours were given to create this powerful experience.
I would encourage anyone and everyone to attend this event next year! The 2026 EcoFaith Summit will be April 18 in Duluth.
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
Assistant to the Bishop for Lay Leadership and Equity Initiatives
Photos From the Day
Images by H. Brian Rauvola, HBR Studios
