This weekend Sr. Susan Leslie will join a delegation from Land Justice Futures as they journey to Apache Stronghold at Oak Flat in Arizona to stand and pray in solidarity with our Western Apache brothers and sisters as they continue to seek protection for the future of their sacred lands.
Since the Supreme Court recently refused to hear their religious freedom case, the threat of the transfer of their land to a multinational mining company in August looms large.
In light of another religious freedom case that the Supreme Court did hear, Apache Stronghold hopes to approach the Court again. Susan requests our prayerful support for the delegation, and even more, for the Apache Nation, as they stand firm in their quest for justice. Click here to read more about it.
Click on this link to watch a Land Justice Futures (LJF) recorded webinar about the story of Apache Stronghold and their sacred lands: Shareback from Oat Flat: Spiritual Accompaniment at the Apache Stronghold — LAND JUSTICE FUTURES. Please note that this webinar took place before the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of this religious freedom case.
Susan is quoted in the LJF press release about this gathering. Click here to read it: Catholic Nuns Join Indigenous Resistance to Copper Mine Destroying Religious Site — LAND JUSTICE FUTURES
There are two opportunities to join in virtual prayer experiences that will coincide with the live events at Oak Flat.
- On Saturday, July 19th at 11 am EST, the Loretto community will be answering the Apache Stronghold’s call for prayer from Kentucky. Loretto Co-Members Susan Classen and JoAnn Gates have prepared a special prayer service and are welcoming all to join via Zoom to add their community’s voices and prayers to those who gather at Oak Flat this weekend. Click on this link to register for this Zoom prayer: Prayer service for Oak Flat mountain – Loretto Community
- Prayer for Oak Flat hosted by Apache Stronghold (2 pm – 3:15 pm ET). As Apache Stronghold and their allies gather in ceremony at Oak Flat on July 19, join multi-faith organizers from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery for an online Prayer Circle for Oak Flat. Click on this link to register for this virtual prayer: Prayer for Oak Flat
Finally, if you are interested in reading more context about this, click on this link to an article posted on July 15, 2025 in the publication Christian Century, which is an independent, progressive Christian newsletter: Apache Stronghold’s rooted resistance | The Christian Century