Environmental Evangelism Commission

We are a group of lay and clergy leaders of the diocese who focus on environmental issues from the perspective of a people of faith.

Scripture for the work

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”

Psalm 104:24-25

Mission

We celebrate and care for God’s creation — raising awareness of urgent environmental threats and lifting up ministries rooted in protection, preservation, and sustainability.

Who We Serve

We serve those who live, worship, and enjoy South Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

Get Involved

Contact our co-chairs to learn more.

 In Action

Celebrate God’s Creation

We are inspired by the rich natural beauty of South Louisiana. Through our ministry, we seek to be present to the unique landscape around us and to recognize the sacredness within God’s creation. Our work calls us to care for the earth with reverence and intention.

A happy man and woman show off dirty hands from planting plants.

2026 Season of Creation

September 1 – October 4, 2026

“Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish once these waters reach there. It will become fresh, and everything will live where the river goes.”

– Ezekial 47:9

The official theme is “Living Water” and the symbol is “Immersion in Living Water” inspired by the prophetic vision of Ezekial 47:1-12 concerning ecological restoration and life-giving water. 

The call is for transformation; that Christians would be immersed in the living water flowing from the throne of God stepping in deeper and deeper, inspired by the spirit of God working together for the renewal of Creation.

Key Reasons for the Celebration:

  • Prayer and Gratitude: To thank God for the gift of the natural world and reflect on the spiritual mystery of creation.
  • Ecological Action: To respond to environmental crises, climate change, and biodiversity loss through hands-on community projects.
  • Ecumenical Unity: To bring together various Christian denominations—including Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant communities—under a shared seasonal observance
  • A Time for Justice: To advocate for vulnerable populations and ecosystems suffering from environmental degradation.

The Environmental Commission has joined the Watersheds of the Gulf Coast Eco-Region Network, connecting with others across our region who recognize that faith, creation care, and environmental action are deeply interconnected.

During the Season of Creation, we invite clergy, lay people, and anyone interested in environmental stewardship to learn more and get involved. Join the Watersheds of the Gulf Coast Zoom sessions, and download the Season of Creation resource guide to explore ways our faith communities can care for the waters, lands, and communities we call home.

REsource

Season of Creation Resource Guide

We invite you to utilize this thoughtful resurce guide for the upcoming Season of Creation, which begins on September 1st (World Day of Prayer for Creation) and concludes on October 4th (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi).

This guide is intended as a resource for priests, congregations, and individuals to use throughout the season.

Download Resource Guide

  Upcoming Season of Creation Events

More About Environmental Evangelism

Mission:

  • To inspire the Diocese of Louisiana to celebrate the beauty, mystery, sacredness, and generosity of God’s creation.
  • To raise awareness both within and outside the Church on the urgency and importance of caring for the environment
  • To educate the members of the Episcopal Church in Louisiana about current environmental issues, and how those issues affect the continued livability of our region and our world.
  • To emphasize models of ministry that incorporate protection, preservation, and sustainable use of God’s creation.

As environmental stewards, we recognize:

  • We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and recognize that the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24).
  • The earth has been made in and through Christ (John 1) and we are placed in it as a garden planet (Genesis 2:7-9, 15).
  • Baptized Christians in our tradition vow to respect the dignity of every human being and a key mark of mission in the Episcopal Church is safeguarding the integrity of God’s creation. That means stopping environmental racism and finding new ways to empower people to follow Jesus to participate in the difficult work of environmental justice, including protecting families, water, and air.

News: EDOLA Now Member of Gulf Coast Creation Care

The Environmental Evangelism Commission is pleased to announce that the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana is now a member of  Gulf Coast Creation Care.

By joining this network, the diocese affirms its commitment to caring for God’s creation alongside other dioceses, churches, and organizations from a variety of denominations and faith traditions. The Diocese of Louisiana is now listed on the Gulf Coast Creation Care website among its member partners.

Learn More About Gulf Coast Creation Care

Leadership & Contact

Co-Chairs 
Molly Blackwell, Co-Chair (St. Margaret’s, Baton Rouge)

The Rev. Harry Jenkins, Co-Chair (St. Michael’s, Mandeville)

Commission:
Janie Braud (St. Luke’s, Baton Rouge)

The Very Rev. Holly Burris (St. John’s, Thibodaux)

The Very Rev. Fred Devall (St. Martin’s, Metairie)

Peter Conroy (St. Margaret’s, Baton Rouge)

Nanette Ledet (St. Michael’s, Mandeville)

Bart Reilly (St. George, New Orleans)

Andrew Wilson (River Ridge)

Emily Taylor (St. James, Baton Rouge)

Rev. Patrick Edwards (Baton Rouge)

Charmaine Kathmann (New Orleans)

Environmental Evangelism co-chairs Molly Blackwell and Fr. Harry Jenkins.

Environmental Evangelism co-chairs Molly Blackwell and Fr. Harry Jenkins.

Related News & Stories

Resources

Take Action

Faith-based Creation Care Websites

Worship & Formation