comments – Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light

Sister Pat Lupo was recently recognized by PennFuture. The Benedictines of Erie are among the religious communities that have signed the Paris Pledge, committing to do their part to cut emissions. These are Sister Pat’s remarks from the Capitol Rotunda on March 21.

My name is Pat Lupo, I‘m a Benedictine Sister from Erie. I believe that Faith Communities are called to demonstrate their commitment to environmental action and to do it in partnership with environmental organizations, local communities, and civic and government entities.

This earth that we live on, our air and our water is sacred. We have a moral obligation to care for the planet, to act for the well-being of future generations and for Continue reading MORALtorium remarks: Today is a Call to Action.

PA IPL board president Rabbi Daniel Swartz was one of many leaders, from several different faiths, who spoke as part of a full day calling for a “moral-torium” on new fracking in Pennsylvania. His remarks were delivered in the Capitol Rotunda.

This is perfect setting for talking about a moral framework for our relation to our planet and to each other. On the steps into the capitol, we see two depictions of Adam and Eve – one where they are in harmony with the garden and life is full of blessing, and one of conflict, leading to tragedy. On the floor surrounding us are mosaic depictions of butterflies and blue herons, snapping turtles and loons – feathered ones that is. And above, the quote: Justice is the end of government.

But we have neither harmony with creation nor justice. Instead, we’re being fracked. Frackers inject a toxic stew of chemicals into the earth to split apart shale. And too many forces today Continue reading MORALtorium remarks: Adam and Eve, herons and loons… and fracking?