Commission on Peace & Justice
Faith, Advocacy, & Action
Our Mission
The Commission on Peace & Justice serves as a diocesan resource for advocacy, education, and faithful engagement with justice, creation care, and the common good.
We work to develop diocesan advocacy around human diversity, racial justice, environmental stewardship, public lands, sacred places, and the welfare of Native American communities. Grounded in faith and guided by love of neighbor, we help the Church respond to the needs of our communities and the world.
At a Glance
Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 5:00–6:30 p.m., by Zoom
(No meeting in August)
Our focus includes:
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Human diversity and racial justice
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Environmental stewardship and creation care
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The protection of Utah’s public lands and sacred places
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The health and future of the Great Salt Lake
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Advocacy alongside Native American communities
All are welcome to learn more about the Commission and its work.
Our Work
Since its restoration in 2021, the Commission on Peace & Justice has brought four resolutions to Diocesan Convention. Each was adopted by lay and clergy delegates and expresses a shared commitment to justice, reconciliation, and care for creation.
- Protecting Utah Wilderness
- Seeking Racial Justice
- Replenishing & Restoring Great Salt Lake
- Becoming Beloved Community
The Commission also participates in the Great Salt Lake Interfaith Action Coalition and continues to seek meaningful ways to respond to the local effects of climate change, protect public lands and sacred sites, and support shared advocacy with Native American communities.
Members and Leadership
The Commission is made up of clergy and lay Episcopalians from congregations across Utah.
Co-Chairs
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Ron Barness Cathedral Church of St. Mark, Salt Lake City |
ron@barness.co |
| Jessica “Jinx” Strout St. James Episcopal Church, Midvale |
bbj63379@gmail.com |
Members
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Forrest Cuch | St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Whiterocks |
| Dorothy Dobson | St. John’s Episcopal Church, Logan |
| Tom Elder | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Vernal |
| A James Galyer | Cathedral Church of St. Mark’s, Salt Lake City |
| Jane Meyers | San Esteban, West Valley City |
| Laura Orcutt | St. James Episcopal Church, Midvale |
| The Rev. David Sakrison | St. Francis Episcopal Church, Moab |
| Jonathan Snyder | St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Park City |
Maps & Further Reading
Understanding Utah’s lands and waters helps inform faithful care for creation.
Louth, Andrew (1997). The Wilderness of God . Abingdon Press.
Email the Commisson
Share Your Voice
View Resolutions
The Work of Justice in Action