Seeking to inspire a renewed and faithful commitment to the planet, the Creation Care Community of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island (CCCDLI) gathered at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on April 25 for 'Fight for Earth' Day, an event highlighted by the first-ever worship service conducted under Luke Jerram’s touring 20-foot sculpture, 'Gaia,' in the United States.
A Liturgical Call to Stewardship
Under the blue and green glow of the illuminated “Earth,” the voices of young choristers filled the sanctuary with music and hope. The service also featured performances by the St. Luke & St. Matthew Choir School and the Achievement First Brooklyn High School Steel Band.
The Rev. Lester Mackenzie, Chief of Mission Program for The Episcopal Church, served as the guest preacher for the service. Speaking directly to the presence of the "Gaia" sculpture suspended above the congregation, Mackenzie connected the biblical account of creation to modern environmental action. "That same spirit that hovered over the water at creation is hovering, I think afresh in this room," Mackenzie said. "That same word that said to that first creation 'Let there be light' says to you, to me, to us, today: 'Keep going! Keep saying Yes. Yebo. Keep seeing.'"
“Our theme for the last two years has been ‘Fight for Earth’ because the struggle continues to keep, preserve and restore our beautiful planet,” said the Rev. Dr. Matthew Moore, Diocesan Missioner for Environmental Justice and Priest Associate at Church of Epiphany & St. Simon, Brooklyn. “The Diocese of Long Island stretches from Brooklyn Bridge to Montauk Point, from dense city neighborhoods, to suburbs, to farms, so we don’t have to look far to see how climate change and extreme weather events affect us all. We must make our stand now to protect the Earth and all creatures on it, humans included, now and for the future.”
See Fr. Mackenzie's Sermon from Fight for Earth Day
A Focus on Future Generations
Following the service, the Cathedral hosted a Spring Festival that included a panel discussion on peace and the environment with Adelphi University, tours of the Cathedral’s pollinator gardens and beehives, and the planting of a native serviceberry bush to mark Bishop Provenzano’s 17 years of ministry on Long Island.
Rita Ann Griffith, co-chair of the CCCDLI Leadership Team and member of the Church of the Transfiguration of Freeport, noted the significance of youth attendance in the face of global environmental challenges.
“As the country walks away from climate accords and agreed actions to preserve the Earth, one can feel helpless,” Griffith said. “The many children present today remind us that hope and determination are also possibilities. We must engage in this fight to leave better prospects for a livable planet for them.”
The Rev. Mark Genszler, co-chair of the CCCDLI Leadership Team and rector of Christ Church, Cobble Hill, added: “We are really pleased that so many people joined us because there is something for everyone. Most importantly, we hope that each person, whether adult or child, left with a renewed sense of purpose and new ideas for how to help pass on a healthy Earth to future generations.”
Exhibition Information
The installation, created by UK artist Luke Jerram using high-resolution NASA imagery, serves as the centerpiece for the Cathedral of the Incarnation’s exhibition “This Fragile Earth Our Island Home.” The Cathedral is the first house of worship in the United States to host the touring artwork.
The "Gaia" installation will remain on display at the Cathedral through May 31, 2026. The public is invited to visit the exhibit and experience the artwork’s accompanying surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones.
To learn more about Gaia and to plan your visit, click here.
Video Recap
Videography by Jack Smith
Photos from the Event
Photography by Jennifer A. Uihlein, Girl in a Camera Productions