Faith in Action: Having Faith, Taking Power at Public Policy Forum

The West Virginia Council of Churches annual Public Policy Forum has been described as a "must-attend event for policy wonks" from around the state. Held on Oct. 21 at John XXIII Pastoral Center in Charleston, the forum featured presentations by 20 speakers from a wide variety of organizations.

A number of other attendees simply came to listen and learn from the proceedings. OVECs faith-based liaison, Carol Warren, chairs the councils Government Concerns Program Unit, which facilitates the event. The groups representatives inform the committee members about issues on which they seek support from the council.

This year, OVEC was represented on two issues of legislative interest. Our Sludge Safety Project organizer Patricia Feeney was accompanied by community member and volunteer Maria Lambert in talking about DEPs failure to complete a mandated Legislative Study.

Everyone listened attentively to Marias description of the problems people in her area have with their badly polluted water. Tricia explained that in order for the Department of Health and Human Resources to look into the health issues presented by the water, DEP must first finish its identification and analysis of the toxins in the water. The Council was asked to provide continuing support in gaining pressure from the Legislature to ensure the completion of the study.

OVECs Executive Director Janet Keating spoke to the assembly about a new proposal to protect cemeteries. Those present heard with horror about family cemeteries being bulldozed without regard for the dead who rest there.

Janet outlined the proposal through which the State Historical Preservation Commission would help set up a process for families wanting to register their cemeteries and provide records of their location. Such a program would help protect family cemeteries from encroachment by mineral extraction, logging or other types of development.

During the Government Concerns Units later deliberations, the committee included both of OVECs issue items in the recommendations for support.

The Council of Churches already supports Public Campaign Financing and the Clean Water Protection Act and has a statement about mountaintop removal on its website.

All recommendations will be presented to the councils board at its December meeting for approval.