“I am sorry for the need to remind you that your meeting is taking place after many years of public indifference to the most pressing issues of agriculture and rural life.” So began a letter, written by Wendell Berry and delivered on behalf of the celebrated Kentucky farmer and novelist, to a crowd assembled at the Museum of the Bible.

Inspired by the words and life of Berry, approximately 80 faith leaders, agriculture industry leaders, and farmers from across the nation had gathered in Washington, D.C., for the first annual Wendell Berry Faith and Farming Summit. The event, organized and hosted by the Humane Society of the United States, gave guests the opportunity to meet and discuss the urgent need for more humane animal agriculture and environmental stewardship in today’s world.