Posts Categorized: Advocacy

Support for Standing Rock

As colder weather soon begins in the area where hundreds of people have gathered with the Standing Rock Sioux–to protect water, land, tribal rights and harmonious relationships with the earth–Presbyterian Native American leaders are providing for ways that all Presbyterians can support this historical gathering. To begin with, as needs for safe and sturdy lodging… Read more »

On behalf of the Lummi Nation and Northwest Native Tribes

Submitted by Jessie Dye, Program and Outreach Director, Earth Ministry and Washington Interfaith Power and Light     Rev. Holly Hallman, Presbyterian teaching elder in the Seattle area, last week delivered a letter from PC(USA) to the Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the Lummi Nation and Northwest Native Tribes in a public ceremony… Read more »

Heat Awareness

 As summer draws near, it is time to prepare for heat awareness. A week ago (May 24, 2013) was NWS NOAA Heat Awareness Day. It is important during these extremely hot days that you take care of your body. Also, know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stress. Please remember to stay cool, drink… Read more »

Birth Defects and Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

MTREarlier this summer some shocking research was published on health risks associated with mountaintop removal coal mining (learn more about this practice).  The study looked at 1.9 million live births from 1996 to 2003 in Central Appalachia.  Separating births by counties with no mining, mountaintop removal mining, other mining, and, it was found that birth defects were more prevalent in counties with mountaintop removal mining. 

After adjusting for other factors that may affect birth defect rates (such as mother’s age, prenatal care, etc.), it was found that birth defects were significantly higher in counties with mountaintop removal mining from both 1996-1999 and 2000-2003.  In the later period, from 2000-2003, birth defects in counties with mountaintop removal mining were 42 percent higher.

The effect of mountaintop removal mining on birth defects is even stronger than the effect of a mother smoking during pregnancy.  View a fact sheet with more information on this new MTR study from the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition.

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Learn about Trade Reform

New Webpage from the Presbyterian Hunger Program The Presbyterian Hunger Program has created a new webpage with resources related to trade reform.  Trade issues and eco-justice are inextricably intertwined, and this page has great resources for Presbyterians to learn what our reformed tradition has to say about just trade.  Explore this new webpage at www.pcusa.org/trade,… Read more »

Tell the House to Protect Creation and Communities

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program sent the action alert below. This week the House is considering a bill that would reduce funding for clean air and clean water by more than 15 percent forcing communities around the country to deal with water pollution from other states and more kids vulnerable to asthma. We… Read more »

Take a Stand for Clean Air

The National Council of Churches (NCC) Eco-Justice Program has issued this Action Alert: This week, three women of faith from various parts of the country–Rev. Leah Schade, Andy Burt, and Caroline Brock were in Washington, DC, speaking to elected officials about the need for healthy air and healthy communities. They urged them to support new… Read more »

Support Human Rights in Colombia

Yesterday the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness sent the following action alert asking Presbyterians to ask Congress to vote NO on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Click here to call your member of Congress and ask him or her to vote NO on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.   The human rights situation in Colombia has… Read more »

Calling all chaplains, ministers, & health workers

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program sent the following action alert: Are you a parish nurse, pastor, chaplain, health worker, or involved in any sort of ministry with people who suffer chronic diseases? You are invited to speak out about your pastoral concerns for these families, and to ask Congress to protect families from… Read more »