Commission on Peace & Justice

Supporting diocesan advocacy for human diversity, racial justice, and environmental stewardship across the Episcopal Church in Utah.

Meetings are held by Zoom on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except August) from 5:00–6:30 p.m. If you are interested in serving on the Commission on Peace & Justice, please send us an email.

Our Mission

The Commission on Peace & Justice serves as a diocesan resource for advocacy, education, and faithful engagement with issues of justice, creation care, and the common good.

The mission of the Commission on Peace & Justice is to develop diocesan advocacy for human diversity, racial justice, and environmental stewardship.

The Commission’s primary areas of focus include:

  1. How climate change will affect Utah Episcopalians and ways the Church needs to address this crisis;
  2. How we the Church can assist in the protection of public lands in Utah; and
  3. The welfare of Native Americans.

Our Work

Since the restoration of this commission in 2021, the Commission on Peace & Justice (COPAJ) has authored four resolutions passed by the lay and clergy delegates to the annual Diocesan Convention: Protecting Utah Wilderness, Seeking Racial Justice, Replenishing & Restoring Great Salt Lake, and Becoming Beloved Community.

The commission is engaged with the work of the Great Salt Lake Interfaith Action Coalition led by various faiths. In 2022, COPAJ invited the leaders of ten faiths to sign a public letter to Utah leaders urging for the perpetual protection of wilderness on public lands in Utah.

The commission is currently researching and seeking information on several important issues, including:

  • The local impacts of climate change on Utah Episcopalians and communities;
  • The protection of public lands and sacred sites throughout the state; and
  • The welfare of Native American communities, including partnerships and opportunities for shared advocacy.

Statements & Resolutions

COPAJ has brought forward resolutions to diocesan convention that express our shared commitments to justice, reconciliation, and care for creation.

The Commission on Peace & Justice authored four resolutions which were passed at Annual Conventions of the Diocese of Utah:

EDU Resolution on America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act & National Monuments Protection
A resolution in support of protecting Utah’s wilderness and national monuments through America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act.
View resolution (PDF)
Resolution Inviting All on a Journey Toward Racial Equity
A call for the Diocese of Utah to engage in intentional formation and action toward racial equity and justice.
View resolution (PDF)
Resolution on Replenishing & Restoring the Great Salt Lake
A resolution affirming the diocese’s concern for the health of the Great Salt Lake and calling for advocacy and action to protect this vital ecosystem.
View resolution (PDF)
Resolution on Becoming Beloved Community
A resolution inviting the diocese to live more deeply into the Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community framework of racial healing, justice, and reconciliation.
View resolution (PDF)

Members of the Commission on Peace & Justice

Members of the commission are comprised of Episcopalians ranging from clergy to volunteers.

Leadership

Ron Barness | Co-Chair
Ron Barness Cathedral Church of St. Mark, Salt Lake City Email Ron
Jessica “Jinx” Strout | Co-Chair
Jessica “Jinx” Strout St. James Episcopal Church, Midvale Email Jinx

Members

Forrest Cuch
Forrest Cuch St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Whiterocks
Dorothy Dobson
Dorothy Dobson St. John’s Episcopal Church, Logan
Tom Elder
Tom Elder St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Vernal
A James Galyer
A James Galyer Cathedral Church of St. Mark’s, Salt Lake City
Jane Meyers
Jane Meyers San Esteban, West Valley City
Laura Orcutt
Laura Orcutt St. James Episcopal Church, Midvale
The Rev. David Sakrison
The Rev. David Sakrison St. Francis Episcopal Church, Moab
Jonathan Snyder
Jonathan Snyder St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Park City

Maps & Context

These maps provide context for public lands and water resources that are central to COPAJ’s work and advocacy.

Colorado River Basin Map
A map of the Colorado River Basin, illustrating the complex watershed that shapes Utah’s water and ecological future.
Colorado River Basin map (PDF)

Further Reading

Louth, Andrew (1997). The Wilderness of God . Abingdon Press.