Faith in Place was founded in 1999 by Steve Perkins (current Co-Director) and Clare Butterfield (current Director) out of the idea that religious organizing around environmental issues should foster transformation on both personal and collective levels. The Evanston Circle was formed as the pilot Sustainability Circle for Faith in Place, with Perkins serving as Director and Butterfield as Project Organizer. The other six Circles formed between May and December of 1999, and in 2001, Butterfield became Director of Faith in Place. In 2002, Faith in Place decided to initiate over-arching, non-geographical projects, such as Eco-Halal, in order to expand and complement the efforts of the individual Circles. Faith in Place’s newest project, Twenty Percent for Creation, was started in 2003. At present, Faith in Place is seeking to expand its work in the area of sustainable food systems through a new project called Food of Faith, which aims to produce food in a manner that adheres to the dietary requirements of religious groups while supporting local, organic farmers and promoting just and equitable employment opportunities.

“There are two great responsibilities common to all faiths: to love one another and to care for Creation. Faith in Place cultivates hopeful and welcoming spaces for people of all faiths to fulfill these two responsibilities as we:

1. Reflect deeply on our own faiths;
2. Integrate the teachings of these faiths into our economic and ecological practices; and
3. Work together for a shared future which is economically just and ecologically sustainable.”