We celebrate our connections with the people who have lived in this land since time immemorial. The Diocese developed Walking Together: Finding Common Ground to uncover, acknowledge and document the truth about Indigenous experiences in the Michigan Native American Boarding Schools, in conjunction with the Great Lakes Peace Center and the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University.
Red Dress Display For Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan is dedicating its efforts toward education and advocacy on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Native women, girls and two-spirits endure human trafficking, abuse and murder at a higher rate than any other group in America. As a UP wide diocese it is our responsibility to establish and honor Tribal relationships, appropriately amplify Tribal organizations, understand and aid in prevention, and offer resources and services for search and rescue. This epidemic is represented through the hanging of red dresses. It represents the pain and loss felt by family members and communities for loved ones and survivors. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center has more information. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has a video and information sheet with more details.
Through community participation we are collecting materials for Red Dress installations. We are accepting red dress donations to be hung outdoors surrounding our church perimeters, and dresses on loan to be placed throughout the pews for the month of May. Donations can be sent to our diocesan office at 131 E Ridge St, Marquette, MI. Loaned materials should be set up through our Director of Reparations and Justice (leora@upepiscopal.org).
We are a group of Christians gathered. We believe that every person is made in the image of God–beautiful, unique and beloved. The Baptismal Covenant is part of the fabric of our lives together. In that spirit, we seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are a community of advocates who strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
Our lives are made rich by the people in our congregations and in our communities, including those of other faiths and belief systems, orientations, ethnicities, and identifications.
Our message to you is simple, but heartfelt: God Loves You. No Exceptions.
Red Dresses for MMIW Day
May 5th, and throughout May
Congregations and communities throughout the Diocese are invited to display red dresses both inside and outside of their buildings as a part of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Native women, girls and two-spirits endure human trafficking, abuse and murder at a higher rate than any other group in America.
For more details and resources, contact sgodfrey@upepiscopal.org or leora@upepiscopal.org
Remembering our Fellows
Art installation in awareness of National Endangered Species Day
Marquette—May 15-18
Opening reception on May 15, from 6-7pm at the Diocese of Northern Michigan offices.
Driving through downtown Marquette between May 15-18th, notice the white crosses on display on East Ridge Street. These crosses, prayerfully painted by members of U.P. Wild Church, bear the name of an animal, fungus or plant species that has been declared extinct since 2020. The group has created this offering out of the necessity of speaking up for those who have no voice.
Northern Michigan Visitors Weekend
May 29 — June 2, 2025 – cancelled
We invite you to visit the Diocese of Northern Michigan October 16-20 to experience our circular way of mutual ministry that has developed over the last 40 years in the strong, small communities of the Upper Penninsula.
Watch for details and registration information!
131 East Ridge Street
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 228-7160
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan is located in K’chi Namebini-Ziibing (Marquette), the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy. The diocese acknowledges the historical connection our organization has with its Indigenous community and their sacred connection with the land. We recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of tribal nations as they navigate through the various impacts of settler colonialism. This acknowledgment is aligned with our churches core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an organizational responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our beloved shared community.