Near west churches launch litter pilgrimages and other Creation Care strategies to battle climate change

On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, called for global cooperation on addressing humanity’s greatest threat: the degradation of our planet’s physical environment. His encyclical letter addressed all of mankind, emphasizing the moral and ethical responsibility of caring for our planet. 

“…[O]ur Sister, Mother Earth…now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her,” he wrote in his letter. “We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will.” 

Alarmed by the data and touched by the call to action of Pope Francis, a group of laypeople from St. Malachi Parish on Cleveland’s near west side studied “Laudato Si,” the Pope’s 184-page letter “on care for our common home,” over the course of a year. Thus, the seeds of the West Side Creation Care Team were planted, and a local environmental ministry was born. 

Soon, members of St. Paul’s UCC and St. Patrick’s Parish in Ohio City, St. Christopher’s in Rocky River, and Calvary Reformed Church in Detroit-Shoreway joined as well. A movement had begun! The team, currently led by laywoman Judy Slivka of St. Malachi’s Parish and Pastor Dean Van Farowe of Calvary Reformed Church in Detroit Shoreway, is determined to become part of the solution for the climate crisis. They recognize that while climate change is a threat multiplier, climate solutions are a benefit multiplier. Through prayer, education, collaboration, and advocacy, the churches are seeking to be faithful stewards of God’s creation, and achieve restorative justice for Mother Nature, and all her children.

Challenging expectations of how churches react to climate change

Together, the churches launched regular “litter pilgrimages” throughout the year. What makes the pilgrimages unique and powerful — and different from traditional litter pickups — is the fact that they involve reflection. Each event begins with prayer. Participants are encouraged to have fun, while reflecting on how the litter got there in the first place and where it goes from here. 

“Creation Care is people care,” said Van Farowe. He went on to say that our exposure to the consequences of inaction is not equal. Marginalized communities are typically the most affected by the negative impacts of environmental degradation. Creating and fostering a climate for change, and seeking social justice for the defenseless and exposed, demonstrates God’s love in a meaningful way. 

Cleveland has many environmental disparities, Van Farowe said. Lead poisoning in the city of Cleveland is quadruple the national average, and rates of inpatient hospital and emergency department visits due to asthma in communities of color are at least twice as high as other populations. In addition, Cuyahoga County has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country, the biggest environmental cause being air pollution. Racial and social disparities are inextricably linked to negative health outcomes and premature deaths the world over. 

The West Side Creation Care Team is challenging the narrative that Christians are climate change deniers. Many religions emphasize compassion, generosity, and concern. “God tells us to take care of the poorest among us and people who are low income have the greatest negative impact from climate change,” said Judy Slivka. Environmentalism is a matter of faith. 

Mitigating the damages of climate change will undoubtedly have positive ripple effects throughout our healthcare system and every sector of our economy, Van Farowe said. Investing in clean and renewable technologies can drive economic growth and foster a more holistic and sustainable approach to development. The opportunity to do the right thing is now, he added. 

Planting the seeds for the future of local Creation Care

The seeds planted by the West Side Creation Care Team are now sprouting in the minds and hearts of Clevelanders on both sides of the Cuyahoga River. Members from downtown’s St. Peter, Cove City Church in Goodrich-Kirtland Park, and City Church in Tremont have begun to engage in the work of Creation Care, joining forces with the team to do something about the environment and climate change. 

Together, they have planted trees, added pollinator gardens, and changed habits, one action at a time. In Detroit Shoreway, Calvary has begun an annual Creation Care Kids summer program. St. Patrick’s has partnered with Rust Belt Riders on zero waste events. Creation Care has also collaborated with Trash Fish Cleveland to remove plastic debris from the Cuyahoga River, knowing each small act adds up to achieving lasting change. 

Last month, The West Side Creation Care Team hosted Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, a Yale Climate Fellow, and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, to lead a Q&A on the state of climate change and environmental care. 

“Folks from all across the spectrum were there, from climate change skeptics to those who wanted to know what practical actions we can take,” said Van Farowe. “To be able to have a world-class scientist there, right in the room and people could interact with her and ask her questions, that was our goal.”

The West Side Creation Care Team welcomes anyone with a desire to contribute to the restoration of all creation to join the movement. The group meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 4427 Franklin Blvd., with an option to participate virtually, as well. For more information, visit the group’s facebook page or email them at westsidecreationcare@gmail.com.