[Episcopal News Service – Cannon Ball, North Dakota] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, preaching Sept. 25 at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, assured the people of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation that they are not alone in their attempt to be heard about an oil pipeline slated to run under their water supply, over their treaty land and through some of their burial places.

“Standing Rock is proclaiming the good news to the whole creation,” Curry said, echoing Mark’s version of Jesus commissioning his disciples to preach the gospel to all of creation. “Water is part of that creation. The land is part of that creation. None of us own it, none of us made it. It is God’s.”

– The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is an editor and reporter for Episcopal News Service.