The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a unique place in God's Creation and a national treasure that embodies wilderness, ecological integrity, sacred beauty and unique recreational opportunities. The Arctic Refuge's Coastal Plain is a vital part of a larger ecosystem that supports a diverse biological landscape as well as the Gwich'in, an indigenous people who depend on the Porcupine Caribou herd for their daily sustenance. Oil and gas exploration on the Coastal Plain would disrupt the birthing patterns of the caribou and have devastating effects on Gwich'in people.
People of faith are joining together in their commitment to steward God's creation and demonstrate their solidarity with the Gwich'in people by protecting this invaluable piece of God's good earth against oil and gas development. Below are letters and statements from the faith community regarding the Arctic:
Religious leaders and faith organizations have long voiced support to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gwich'in people. In September 2019, religious organizations and denominations sent a letter to Congress urging that the Arctic Refuge protected from oil exploration and drilling. Faith leaders and religious organizations reacted to the news that Congress passed legislation in December 2017 that would open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling in the tax package. Faith leaders reacted to the US Senate's budget resolution vote that allows for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Click here to see the statements. Black church state leaders urged Congress to remove the Arctic Refuge drilling provisions out of the tax reform bill. Rev. Mitch Hescox
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Leaders of national and regional religious organizations sent a letter to Congress urging protection for the Refuge. Catholic nuns in New York and Pennsylvania also sent a letter to Congress. Click here for a statement from Creation Justice Ministries and the Evangelical Environmental Network and the Religious Action Center. Faith leaders reacted to the US Senate's budget resolution vote that allows for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Click here to see the statements.
Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
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Rev. Tom Martinez
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