Posts Tagged: mountaintop removal

Earth Care Congregation Spotlight: Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church

Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (Shepherdstown, WV)   Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church had their annual EarthFest at the church in early April. This event was an hour-long mixture of earthy-songs presented in the sanctuary by dynamite local musicians (some from the congregation), punctuated by really moving recitations about earth care.  A lot of the focus was on coal-mining and… Read more »

Reflection on Women’s Stories from the MTR and Climate Change Tribunal last week

The Central Appalachian Women’s Tribunal on Climate Justice on May 10, 2012 was a powerful and meaningful event of local women lifting up their voices and engaging in action to protect the health and integrity of their families, their communities, and their land. I was honored and energized to be in this gathering of powerful grassroots advocates who are working hard to take care of the things they love. The speakers and leaders of this event were local residents who shared their personal stories of witnessing to the devastating effects of Mountaintop Removal (MTR) Coal Mining in their homeland of Appalachia. Some of these local women have won prestigious awards, gained national recognition, and/or been interviewed in documentaries for their great efforts. They come from a four state area: TN, WV, VA, and KY.

 

These women’s lives have been drastically impacted by MTR and I was convicted and inspired by their stories. Hearing their testimonies, I am ever more committed to continue to pray and work for an end to the destructive practice of MTR that is damaging this part of God’s creation. I hope you will join me in these efforts, both from reading these glimpses of local residents’ stories and from knowing our biblical, theological, and denomination mandate to care for God’s creation.

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Loving God and Loving God’s Earth

Today, as love is celebrated, what ways can we better love and serve God by loving and caring for the earth?   One thing I’m aware of is the “I Love Mountains” campaign, people from all across appalachia asking for alternatives to Mountain-top Removal Coal Mining. Folks from Kentucky have made today (Valentine’s Day) an “I… Read more »