Protecting TN Wetlands: A Pastor Speaks Out

Advocacy group highlights moral imperative to steward the Earth

As a key legislative committee explores lifting environmental protections, a Tennessee pastor is speaking out on the moral imperative to protect the Earth, including wetlands.

Rev. Ingrid McIntyre, a United Methodist pastor in Nashville and member of the Southern Christian Coalition released a video statement calling for continued protections for Tennessee wetlands.

McIntyre said:

"My name is Rev. Ingrid McIntyre and I have a lot of big feelings about the environmental catastrophe in much of our state and that other southern states are experiencing right now. We all deserve to live in communities with clean air and water that are safe from regular flooding and natural disasters in our communities."

McIntyre noted the legislative hearing concerns taking steps to make it easier for real estate developers to build on protected wetlands. She then spoke specifically about the Duck River watershed, where she owns property.

"The Duck River is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world, the most in North America and yet one of the most endangered because of our legislators. The wetlands of Tennessee aren't just a feature on a map, they're the lifeblood of our land. Our farm is in the Duck River Watershed and we see firsthand how these vital ecosystems, filter our water, buffer us from floods and nurture the wildlife that makes our landscape so rich. Saving these wetlands isn't just about preserving nature, although isn't that enough? It's about securing our future. It's about protecting our livelihoods, and honoring the legacy we will leave for generations."

Rev. Ingrid McIntyrePhoto bySouthern Christian Coalition