Statement on Mountain Top
Removal in Eastern Kentucky
December 10, 2002
Dear Friends in Christ,
We write you on the occasion of your ecumenical
gathering for a "Prayer on the Mountain" in Letcher County, Kentucky. Our
other obligations prevent us from traveling to the mountains to be with you
today, but we send our prayers of support and words of encouragement.
We know from people ministering in Appalachia
and media reports about the environmental and human devastation caused by the
abusive strip mine practice known as "mountain top removal." This practice can
damage the foundations of homes and destroys the wells of people living in
nearby communities. It dumps millions of tons of earth and rock into valleys
ruining springs and head waters of creeks essential to the animal and plant
life for miles downstream. It can destroy graveyards and home places and
alters communities reverenced by generations of families who trace their ties
to that land. We understand that McRoberts itself has suffered five
devastating floods in 18 months, and many other areas of Appalachia have faced
similar destruction.
As we reflect on Sacred Scripture we believe
that the care of creation represents a spiritual act. We remember that God
finished the work of creation and "found it very good" (Gen. 1:31.) Then God
put humanity in the Garden of Eden, a symbol of the whole world, "to cultivate
and care for it" (Gen. 2:15.) Creation reflects the beauty of God and humanity
becomes a co-gardener with God.
In addition, since the world belongs to all,
decisions about the world’s use must be determined by a concern for the common
good of the whole human family. Pope John Paul II joining his voice with a
growing chorus of ethical people throughout the world proclaims the right to a
safe environment must eventually be included in an updated U.N. Charter of
Human Rights. That your "Prayer on a Mountain" takes place on December 10,
International Human Rights Day, symbolically connects the respect for the
earth with the protection of our human community.
We pray that society will produce its necessary
goods and services without destroying God’s gift of creation. Unfortunately,
the practice of economics frequently exploits both the land and the workers in
a rush for quick profits. Society must reject the false dichotomy of jobs
versus the environment and creatively find ways allowing workers to earn their
livelihoods while respecting creation. May God shed blessings on you as you
pray for the restoration of creation and the uplift of your communities.
Yours in
Christ Jesus,
Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., Archbishop of Louisville
John J. McRaith, Bishop of Owensboro
Roger J. Foys, Bishop of Covington
Reverend Robert J. Nieberding, Lexington Administrator
502-875-2841 Fax