Faith in Action: As Decision Approaches, A Call for Peace in the Coalfields

from WV Council of Churches Government Concerns and Peace and Justice Programs

Arguments will be heard on Sept. 23 in a West Virginia case being reviewed before the Fourth Circuit Court in Richmond, Va.

This case is the appeal of an October 11, 2007, decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers prohibiting a coal company from starting new valley fills at Jupiter Holdings Callisto mine in Boone County. Judge Chambers ruled that permanent damage to streams and forests outweighed temporary and speculative economic harm to the company.

As the time for a decision on this appeal approaches, it is clear that whichever way the court decides, many West Virginia residents will consider themselves to be adversely affected. Some residents in the coalfield communities fear their homes and heritage will be lost and their health threatened by valley fills. Miners are worried about losing

surface mining jobs and the ability to support their families.

As people of faith, we feel it is of great importance to support all our fellow citizens involved in this situation by calling for calm, non-violence and reasoned dialogue surrounding this issue and the upcoming court decision.

Therefore, we invite people of conscience to a period of fasting and prayer for peace in our communities. We are designating the two weeks prior to September 23 as a Fast for Peace in the Coalfields, and our neighbors are welcome to select one or more days to join us in this effort.

Individuals or groups desiring to join the fast are asked to contact Carol Warren, chair of the Council of Churches Government Concerns Program Unit, at peacelovemom@gmail.com to sign on. This will help us verify that people are participating each day throughout the two-week period of September 9-23, 2008.