Let's Talk Energy Ethics

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Topping my list of things to be thankful for these days is the National Council of Churches’ (NCC) strong support for ending the ravages of mountaintop removal (MTR) coal mining. The National Council of Churches, with an office located in DC, recently hosted an event called “Ecumenical Advocacy Days.” Of the more than 800 participants in this annual national conference, 60-70 chose to spend part of their Saturday afternoon listening to information – presented by myself and Lorelei Scarbro, on the problems of MTR. Others were exposed to issues related to MTR and other eco-justice problems during “eco-justice track” events throughout the weekend. Still more people have participated in webinars and received information about MTR problems via the NCC eco-justice website. Here are some examples of what you will find on this site:

A petition calling for an end to MTR injustices.

NCC Eco-justice office is conducting a series of webinars on environmental ethics issues; the next one will focus on problems associated with gas fracking; for more information, click here.

The National Council of Churches is also endorsing and supporting an Interfaith Action on Climate Change during “Earth Day Week” – April 21 – 27. For more information, please click here.

Here’s something I actually cheered about: A media letter, authored by one of the biggest of the big-wigs in the Presbyterian Church (USA), which states clear questions about the ethics of MTR coal mining. The NCC eco-justice office helped make this happen and would welcome similar letters from faith community leaders in our area.

If you would be willing to write such a letter, or simply want to know more about how to involve your community in discussions about the ethics of energy and/or MTR and gas fracking, please contact Robin at robin@ohvec.org