The Rev. Dr. Yvette Griffin of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Detroit was recently able to share some of the great things happening at Pilgrim Baptist. Participation in the Sacred Spaces program has offered some new opportunities for this congregation!

 The Rev. Dr. Yvette Griffin of Pilgrim Baptist Church views air quality and environmental issues as critial factors for her Detroit community.

Rev. Griffin, what can you tell us about your church?

Pilgrim Baptist Church was established in 1925 - approximately 98 years ago in Northeast Detroit - Conant Gardens. Pilgrim Baptist has always been at the forefront of the community. Pilgrim Baptist offered computer training classes in the 80s, before it was popular, credit scrubbing in the 90s, and in the early 2000s energy awareness and sustainability workshops. Solar-powered LED lights were installed in 2013. We have been feeding hundreds of individuals and families every week since 2007.

What is your congregation's spiritual or religious inspiration for practicing earth stewardship?

God commissions us to rule over the Creation in a way that sustains, protects, and enhances His works so that all Creation may fulfill the purposes God intended for it. We must manage the environment not for our own benefit but for God's glory.

How do you understand environmental justice?

I understand that we must address climate change, pollution, and a host of other environmental risks disproportionately affecting our communities of color and low-income communities. My granddaughter died at the age of 14 years old from an asthma attack.

What’s one key take away that you hope your congregation and/or community gains from your participation in Sacred Spaces?

One key take away is that we hope our congregation and community gain more love for sustainable energy and what that means to the congregation and community.

God commissions us to rule over the Creation in a way that sustains, protects, and enhances His works so that all Creation may fulfill the purposes God intended for it. We must manage the environment not for our own benefit but for God′s glory.

Pilgrim Baptist Church and Rev. Griffin are better equipped to reach sustainability goals with the support of the Sacred Spaces program. Michigan IPL is glad to assist the Pilgrim Baptist congregation as they work toward environmental improvements for their church and neighborhood.