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Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan Joins Growing Faith Community Opposition to Controversial Pipeline

The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan is calling on Gov. Rick Snyder to shut down oil transport through Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac unless the state can guarantee the controversial pipeline’s safety.

In a resolution signed Jan. 20 by Bishop Todd Ousley, the influential diocese, which represents Episcopalians from Cheboygan to Port Huron, said protecting the integrity of creation and sustaining life guarantees the right of every human to safe, clean water.  The resolution cited the threat of severe damage and economic loss from a Line 5 pipeline rupture as reasons for the governor to shut off the flow of oil through the Straits of Mackinac.

“A powerful message is now coming from major religious leaders in Michigan who are asking the governor to act now to protect the Great Lakes from a catastrophic oil spill,” said Gary Street, a resident of Cheboygan County and church member who assisted the Diocese in drafting the resolution.  

“As people of faith we are stewards of God’s creation and Bishop Ousley’s leadership on this issue is critically important.” - Gary Street, Cheboygan County Resident

The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan includes Flint, Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, Gaylord, Grayling, Standish, Cheboygan, Oscoda, Port Huron, Marysville and Lexington. 

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan in December endorsed a similar resolution.  Other religious and faith groups to endorse the Oil & Water Don’t Mix campaign to date include: Central United Methodist Church;  IHM Sisters, Justice Peace Sustainability of Detroit; Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice; Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network; Sisters of Mercy West Midwest.  

In addition, 67 local cities, townships and counties endorse shutting down Line 5 oil through the Straits as well as 11 Michigan Native American tribal governments and organizations.