Call to Address Environmental Racism in Alabama Community

For six years, the Shiloh community of Elba, Alabama has faced severe flooding caused by the poorly designed expansion of Highway 84. Homes have sunk, livelihoods have been disrupted, and federal responses have been delayed or insufficient. For this historic, predominantly Black community, it is a situation of environmental racism, and the voices of Shiloh residents demand amplification.

In partnership with the Sierra Club and the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, the Environmental Justice Ministry of the United Church of Christ is calling upon people of faith to address a matter of urgent justice.

As a new administration prepares to take office, we fear aid promises may disappear. Secretary Buttigieg visited Shiloh in April of this year and promised the residents that he would work to rectify this situation. We intend to make sure he delivers on his promise. We invite you and your congregations to participate in Sabbaths of Action, a nationwide movement of prayer and reflection for the Shiloh community.

A Three Part Call to Action

(1) Share Shiloh’s Story: Educate your congregation about Shiloh’s plight and the systemic injustices faced.

(2) Lead a Prayer: Dedicate time in your congregation’s service to pray for Shiloh.

(3) Act for Justice: Encourage your community to sign petitions, write federal leaders, and support advocacy efforts for Shiloh.

Join Us
Let us know if your congregation will participate in Sabbaths of Action. Coalition partners can provide additional resources, including video testimonials, a sample bulletin insert, and action guides, to help you further.

Fill out this form if you are interested in participating.

Pastor Williams’ Prayer
One of the person’s impacted by the flooding in Shiloh is the Rev. Timothy Williams. Here is a prayer that he has offered:

“Father God, we come before you with gratitude for Shiloh—a place where generations have passed down legacy and strength. We thank you for this community and the peace it stands for.

Though Shiloh’s peace has been tested—six years of storms and flooding, sinking homes, and burdens placed on families—you have kept this community strong. Your grace and mercy have shielded us, and we simply say thank you, Lord.

Now, Father, we ask you to send justice, peace, and healing to Shiloh. We praise you in advance for the victory you are bringing, and the hearts you’re touching, even now. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

More on the Crisis in Shiloh

Infrastructure Damage:

Highway 84’s expansion redirected storm water into Shiloh, causing severe and persistent flooding to people’s homes and businesses, causing irreparable damage to homes.

Health and Safety Risks:

Mold, stagnant water, and structural instability have made homes unsafe, forcing many residents to act without federal support and draining their savings to repair the ongoing damage.

Environmental Racism:

Residents are tired of the Alabama Department of Transportation intentionally neglecting Shiloh. Residents in neighboring white communities received payouts 30x greater than those offered in Shiloh.

Further Resources

ABC News Coverage: Alabama accused of ‘highway robbery’ following flooding of predominantly-Black community

Buttigieg Visits Predominantly Black Alabama Community Following ABC News Investigation about Neighborhood Flooding

“Open Letter to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg Calling for Comprehensive Solutions to Flooding in Elba, Alabama Shiloh Community Before Leaving Office” by Robert Bullard

“The clock is ticking for the government to do what is right for this flooded historic Black community” by Ben Jealous