The mission of the Michigan Interfaith Coalition for Creation [MICC] is the calling on the religious community to embrace care of the Earth as an integral part of faith and practice. In pursuing that mission, MICC educates members of congregations on the theological concepts that undergird 'earthkeeping' and on practical steps to put that understanding into action. MICC also joins with leaders and members of diverse faith communities in speaking out on matters of public policy, calling legislators to a responsible and just stewardship of the Earth's resources.

MICC was founded in 2001, upon the groundwork of a precursor group, MECCE-the Michigan Ecumenical Consultation on Christianity and Ecology (which began in 1993 and hosted six statewide conferences on religion and the environment, 1995-2000).

One of MICC's main program areas since 1999 has been the Michigan Interfaith Climate Change Campaign. MICC has come to understand and deeply appreciate over the past several years the strength in the unity of all faiths coming together in shared efforts on behalf of all creation (see www.webofcreation.org and www.nrpe.org).

An important collaborative partner in this work is the Michigan Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life [MI-COEJL] (see www.coejl.org).

MI-COEJL works within the Jewish community to promote environmental education, experience and advocacy.

MICC believes global warming will impact all of creation in profound ways and that we are morally obligated to take steps to limit our greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, MICC hopes to lessen what could be unpleasant consequences for generations to come. This year MICC and 20 other states launched a major initiative on energy policy and climate change. On February 26, the groups delivered a letter to every U.S. Senator, a letter signed by an unprecedented 1,200 senior religious leaders nationwide (62 here in Michigan), urging the Senate to adopt an energy policy that emphasizes energy conservation, fuel efficiency and cleaner energy sources. (The statement is available upon request.)

MICC not only calls upon policymakers to adopt appropriate earth-friendly measures, but also encourages a witness from the faith community itself. MICC celebrates the efforts of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Wyandotte, a 2001 EPA National Energy Star Congregation winner (one of only five nationwide).

To become more involved with this work, please contact the MICC director or MI-COEJL. MICC can provide materials for use by congregations and assist in arranging a free energy audit of religious facilities. In addition, MICC is building a list of "congregational liaisons" to help spread the message and materials of its climate campaign. As a 501(c)(3) organization, MICC also welcomes contributions to help sustain its work.

Contacts:

MICC
Kim Winchell
10514 Webster Rd.
Freeland, MI 48623
(989) 695-2402
kwinch5940@aol.com

MI-COEJL
Sara Bernstein
6735 Telegraph Rd., #100
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
(248) 642-5393
bernstein@jfmd.org