Interfaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) began in 2015 with folks coming together around a common theme: caring for our environment for generations to come. The Creation Care group led by Chris Erickson at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville — a southern suburb of the Twin Cities — wanted to reach beyond their congregation. “We formed a cooperative effort amongst some of the churches in the area,” says ICCSM representative Curt Carlson. What began with a coalition of eight has grown to nineteen faith communities across the south Twin Cities metro area.
From speaker events to electric vehicle expos to film screenings and much more, ICCSM is inspiring care for our environment through a host of events and volunteer opportunities. This work is inspired by their mission to live in right relationship with God’s creation and to take action together. An important theme for ICCSM is relying on shared values to overcome ideological divides. “We do what we can to appreciate the environment we do have as a means of reminding people to commit to caring for it. We are responsible for taking care of it,” says Carlson, emphasizing that being stewards of our place is crucial for future generations.
On a snowy Saturday in March, 2023, ICCSM hosted an EcoFair event to bring faith community members together around the theme of care for place. Fourteen exhibitors — organizations with various missions from electric school buses to waste reduction to home energy rebates — provided educational materials and opportunities to take action. The atmosphere was lively and joyful as folks made new connections and gathered ideas to bring back to their own Creation Care groups and homes.
The event finished with a keynote by Dr. Jessica Hellman, Director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Hellman spoke on what we can do as individuals to care for our environment. She emphasized the importance of finding joy in striving together and reaching outside our bubbles.
ICCSM’s core group of nearly 50 members who represent their nineteen faith group coalitions holds regular organizing meetings. Carlson describes that, while speaker events hold inspirational power, sometimes a simple meeting can leave the group feeling uplifted. Coming together sparks passion and makes group members feel they are part of a team caring for our environment. Carlson says meeting folks from other faith communities has been a powerful reminder of shared values and goals. The group is actively seeking to include more faith communities, in-line with their mission as an “Interfaith” coalition.
Many ICCSM members feel drawn to this work because of their commitment to future generations. “Many of us have grandchildren, and it weighs on you — I’ve got to do my part,” says Carlson. ICCSM is bringing communities together and inspiring care for our environment, not just for today, but for many years to come. You can learn more about their work at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com/.