Our Vote Is So Precious:
What Does Our Faith Require of Us?
John Lewis was a lifelong champion of human rights and a leader whose life served as an inspiration for all living in societies where their rights were under attack. If he were still living, he would certainly be an advocate for environmental justice because it disproportionately affects marginalized communities. In his final essay in 2020, he reminded citizens that the vote is not guaranteed and can be lost, making it the ultimate change agent in a democratic society. Join us in taking action on environmental justice by exercising your right to vote November 3, 2026, and encourage others to do so as well. Early voting is recommended and in NC it starts October 15. See ICCT’s special Vote for the Earth coverage of the election on our website and in three of the four articles in this newsletter.
~~ Susan Kane, ICCT President-elect
Dear readers,
ICCT is grateful to Rev. Jarrod Davis, our outgoing News Editor and Board member. I’m amazed at all the balls Jarrod kept in the air while editing our newsletters. He’s Lead Editor of Adult Curriculum for the United Methodist Publishing House, serves a congregation in another role, and according to his bio on the website “lives with his wife, two daughters, and too many animals that he swore he was not going to be the one taking care of but finds himself taking care of them anyway.” It’s been a joy to read Jarrod’s stories of family that personalize Creation care and love of neighbors for our readers. Jarrod, we will miss you, your beautiful reflections in the newsletter, and your sense of humor. We appreciate your offer to continue to support ICCT as you can.
~~ Lynn Lyle, ICCT president
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Gary Smith and Susan Kane stood up at Tuesday’s Raleigh City Council meeting for a moratorium on new data center applications lasting as long as needed to develop standards that protect us and the Earth. See ICCT’s one-page Position on Data Center Development.
2. Election Protection & Integrity Training for Clergy, Leaders and People of Faith
Explore practical ways you, faith leaders, and congregations can protect access to the ballot, support our communities through and beyond Election Day. Join this training and lunch on October 15, 10 am – 2:00 pm in Cary, with NC Council of Churches and Mainline Protestant Stream.
Ever wonder if there’s a way to help your faith community get more involved in care of Creation? Join ICCT Liaisons in person to learn more about how an ICCT Liaison can move that process along and what a Liaison does to make it happen. We’ll meet in person on Saturday afternoon, October 24 at Church of the Nativity Episcopal in Northeast Raleigh.
4. October 17 No Kings: Vote Early
Six rallies or marches are scheduled in the Triangle. Join one and vote early that day! A broad coalition of groups has named Saturday, October 17, 2026 as a national day of action. We know that effective environmental justice policy depends on a strong democracy. Let your voice be heard on protecting democracy.
(1) ICCT Leaders Stand For Moratorium on Data Centers at Raleigh City Council Meeting; See Our Policy Statement
It is becoming clear that new Data Centers are moving quickly to establish their position not only across the country, but in the Triangle as well. ICCT’s Advocacy Team has been following this issue closely and is very concerned about the negative effects on communities, health, ecosystems, air, water, the energy grid, and affordability.
At the October 6th Raleigh City Council meeting, ICCT leaders Susan Kane and Gary Smith stood up for a moratorium on new data center applications lasting as long as needed to develop standards that protect us. Given that ICCT’s mission is to love and protect creation, we feel strongly that a pause on the data center buildout is needed to allow enough time to consider the potential environmental and social impacts. State and local governments need to establish clear, enforceable regulations that protect their communities and the earth. To that end, ICCT has created a one-page 2026 Policy Statement on Data Center Development. Please share this document with your family, friends, and elected officials. Have questions or want to help? Contact advocacy.icctriangle@gmail.com
~~ submitted by Bobbi Mullins, ICCT Advocacy Co-leader
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(2) Election Protection & Integrity Training for Clergy, Leaders, and People of Faith
October 15th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Greenwood Forest Baptist Church
110 SE Maynard Road
Cary, NC 27511
Plenty of onsite parking. Coffee, tea, pastries and lunch for attendees. All Committed to a Fair and Just Democracy are welcome.
With early voting beginning on October 15, now is the time for clergy, congregational leaders, and people of faith to understand how they can support access to the ballot through Election Day and be prepared for the days and weeks that follow.
Clergy are encouraged to preach on elections, educate their parishioners, and meet with election officials after the election. Mainline Protestant Stream and the NC Council of Churches are working with Sojourners and Faiths United to Save Democracy to offer poll peacemaker and chaplaincy training.
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(3) Gather With ICCT Liaisons on October 24 and Learn More About Advancing Creation Care in Your Faith Community
ICCT Liaisons are part of a vibrant Creation care community of individuals and congregations in the Triangle that learn from one another. Liaisons are critical to the promotion of two-way communication between their faith communities and ICCT. They share with their members ICCT announcements of events and resources, and are encouraged to share their experiences with our participating faith communities and request support. Currently, approximately 40 faith communities have designated liaisons. You can see a list of liaisons and their faith communities here.
All current liaisons have been invited to an inaugural gathering at The Church of the Nativity Episcopal, 8849 Ray Road in Northwest Raleigh on Saturday, October 24th, 1-3 pm. We also welcome members of faith communities who do not have a liaison to attend and learn more about the role of liaisons. This will be an opportunity to meet other liaisons and ICCT Board Members and to hear from a panel of liaisons about their experiences. Light refreshments will be available. Have questions? Contact icctriangle@gmail.com.
If you plan to attend, please register here.
~~ submitted by Neil Pedersen, ICCT Liaison coordinator
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(4) October 17 No Kings: Vote Early
Six No Kings: Vote Early rallies or marches are already scheduled in the Triangle. Attend one and vote early that day! A broad coalition of groups has named Saturday, October 17, 2026 as a national day of action.
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In Raleigh, 1- 4 pm
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In Apex, 9:30-11:00, Hwy 55 entrance to Beaver Creek Commons
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In Clayton
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In Durham at Lowes Grove Middle School,
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In Durham at Shoppes of Hope Valley 10 am – 12 pm,
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In Durham at The Bull (CCB Plaza)
Check here to enter your zip code for options and updates on the No Kings website. It’s a day of nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other, and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their options, and is ready to make their voice count.
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