Rev. Phyllis Byrd, the author of the following theological contemplation, is a board member of Urban Missiology International (UMI) serving in Kenya.

Reverend Phyllis Byrd, Global Ministries

Acting Locally for Global Impact

May 22, 2026, was the International Day for Biological Diversity. The theme this year was “Acting locally for global impact.” Biodiversity Day was two days before Pentecost Sunday. I was excited to receive an invitation to preach on Pentecost Sunday; it was a Kairos moment. It presented an opportunity to explore the harmonious relationships found in the natural world—the mutualistic relationships among animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms.

They need each other to survive. If this partnership is damaged or severed, one—if not both—may die.

Pentecost and Mutual Survival

Pentecost is the celebration of the birth of the church, the weaving together of humanity into the body of Christ. Just like plants, species, and microorganisms, our DNA has now been wired to work together. Pentecost achieved the ultimate divine reconciliation, sparking a revolutionary evolution.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, the people of God were biologically, socially, and culturally empowered to transform society as a whole. On the day of Pentecost, the barriers that blocked diversity were broken down, and we were able to view the world through a new lens. We speak and understand with the consciousness of God. Our actions are in line with the will of God.

The mutualism of organisms and species is not simply because they live in the world together. They are a living witness to the African proverb, “I am because you are, and because you are, I am.” Their relationship goes beyond cohabiting in the same environment; they are inseparable.

The biosphere and human civilization are inextricably linked, a reality that also shapes UMI’s exploration of the Black church and climate justice.

Faith in Action

The power of the rush of a mighty wind that filled the room was the renewable energy needed to send us into the world to have a social and spiritual impact.

As Global Ministries celebrates its 30th anniversary this year under the theme “Faith in Action,” I look forward to intentionally joining hands with Green Chalice as we put our spiritual and moral beliefs into practical behavior locally and globally. We—I—need you to survive.

About Reverend Phyllis Byrd

For the past 36 years, Reverend Byrd has served through Global Ministries, representing the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. She currently serves as Director of the Just Communities Program at the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC). Through this role, she collaborates with churches, mosques, and local citizens to champion ecological harmony, social accountability, and the broader Sustainable Development Goals. Her office’s areas of engagement include food security and food sovereignty, policy, and African traditional spirituality as a lens through which to address ecological harmony.

Related resource: Learn more about the Green Chalice Program.