The storm surge that breached the levee system protecting New Orleans also shattered our illusions about poverty, race, and environmental issues.

Earth Day Sunday, April 23, 2006, focuses on the devastating environmental impact that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought to the Gulf Coast in 2005 and how people of faith can respond.

As Christians, we are called to see the connection between our care for God’s creation and all of God’s people.

Use these Earth Day Sunday resources any time that you want to focus on environmental justice issues as they apply to the Gulf Coast.

Through the Eye of a Hurricane: Rebuilding Just Communities is an eight-page resource that contains brief, topical summaries of the environmental and public health impact of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes. Also contains sermon notes, suggested scripture readings and a bulletin insert with a congregational prayer. Produced by the National Council of Churches.

Read an in-depth look at related environmental justice issues by Jaydee Hanson, a frequent contributor to the Presbyterian Washington Office’s online articles. Hanson is a consultant on environmental and biotechnology issues and their relationship to faith.

Attend the Eco-Justice for All conference in New Orleans, June 1-4, 2006, to learn about the intersection of ecological, economic and social justice from a Christian perspective. Download a brochure on the event .

Join the Ecology and Environment Issues Network to learn more about environmental justice. You’ll receive updates on current issues and tools to advocate on behalf of God’s creation and God’s people.

Is there an environmental educator in your area? Check the list of presbyteries that have faith-based experts called Stewardship of Creation Enablers. Learn more about becoming one yourself.

Louisiana

Evan Silverstein of the Presbyterian News Service traveled to the hurricane-stricken Gulf Coast to document the relief and repair efforts in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.

View the Louisiana photo album

Mississippi

Silverstein also traveled to Long Beach, Gulfport, D'Iberville, and Biloxi, Mississippi.

View the Mississippi photo album