By Emily Rose
Peace and Justice Minister
Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center

Three years ago, I came across a documentary on Netflix called Kiss the Ground, and it completely changed the way I think about soil and climate change. I learned that healthy soil can draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. I also discovered that if we scale our tools of regenerative agriculture, we can begin to see cooling of the climate in twenty to thirty years. 

I’ve since watched this documentary dozens of times, and I share it with anyone who will listen. It is the most hopeful film about the climate crisis I have seen, and it inspired the birth of the Redwoods Peace Colloquy in December in the Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center. 

Our colloquy goal was to explore in community the intersection of faith and climate justice with special emphasis on soil and regenerative agriculture, which is a way of growing food that improves the health of soil. We invited theologians, community organizers, and spiritual leaders to share their wisdom and spur us to action. 

We began the weekend with a powerfully moving concert with singer-songwriter Peter Mayer. His music is beloved by many in Community of Christ, and his lyrics capture our Enduring Principle of Sacredness of Creation. 

Our colloquy goal was to explore in community the intersection of faith and climate justice with special emphasis on soil and regenerative agriculture, which is a way of growing food that improves the health of soil.

His song, “Holy Now,” was especially memorable, and many in the crowd began to sing along. He stopped because he was so touched by our singing, and he asked to start again, inviting everyone to sing together. The room echoed with Spirit-filled harmonies about the sacred depths of nature. It was truly a blessing! 

Our keynote speaker was the Rev. Christopher Carter, a pastor, professor, and organizer for racial, environmental, and food justice. His powerful message characterized sin as a failure to love. He said that truly loving our neighbors means making sure they have healthy food, access to healthcare, and a sustainable environment. 

The San Jose Congregation hosted our event, and we learned from Pastor Jim Marshall about the difference its community garden, The Grateful Gardens, has made in its neighborhood. The congregation partners with many community organizations to grow healthy food and tend to the earth next to its building. It has been a space of community building, Earth stewardship, and food justice. It was inspiring to spend time with a congregation that envisions itself as a center for peace and justice in the community. 

It was inspiring to spend time with a congregation that envisions itself as a center for peace and justice in the community. 

The colloquy was more than a place of learning; it also was a space of tangible action. Amy Nelms, policy fellow at the Center for Good Food Purchasing, gave a presentation on a farm bill. She helped break down its various pieces and how they would affect our food system and the environment. She invited participants to call their civic leaders to speak about components of the bill that would affect regenerative agriculture and food access. It was a tangible lesson in advocacy and building a relationship with the people who represent us! 

In addition to deepening our learning and commitment, the colloquy brought the joy of community. Saturday evening was spent singing peace and justice anthems around a fire, playing games, and even building a regenerative farm of gingerbread. 

We especially were grateful for the beautiful setting of redwood trees at Happy Valley Conference Center. Soil health, composting, and growing sustainable food are paramount at Happy Valley, and our hosts taught us about composting and gave tours of the garden on the grounds. 

My hope is that the Redwoods Peace Colloquy sparked a desire for climate action in communities across the church. If you’d like to learn more about the presenters and ways to engage in your area, keep an eye on our event landing page at CofChrist-spmc.org. We will be adding resources and information to continue the tangible work of honoring the Sacredness of Creation!