Clergy Letter on Keystone Published in Politico

The following letter was sent to NC House members’ Legislative Directors and Energy and Environmental Legislative Assistants:

I wanted to be sure that you saw this letter, published as a full page ad in Politico, and signed by over 150 clergy from diverse faith traditions and regions urging the President to reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline on moral grounds.

As director of NC Interfaith Power & Light, I want to make sure you know that of the 150 signers of the letter, nearly 40 are from North Carolina.

NC faith communities are leaders in the national movement to leave a safe climate for future generations and to care for God’s Creation as a moral obligation.

NC Clergy Leaders are asking President Obama not to be tempted by the false promise of Tar Sands Oil. The letter is reminding the President of his words in the Inauguration, stating: “As people of faith, we share your conviction that ‘we are commanded by God to care for our planet’ and that the ‘failure to respond to the threat of climate change would betray our children and future generations.’”

We hope you also won’t be tempted by the false promises of the Keystone XL pipeline and the destructive practices of tar sands development. As Rev. Sally Bingham, who organized the letter said, “Building this pipeline is the exact opposite of the course we must take to safeguard our climate and move towards a clean energy economy.”

I’m very proud to serve as Director of NCIPL in support of all people of faith across our grand state and to be in touch with each of you that serve in government.  Thank you for your leadership.

With prayers & hope for the future,

–Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light (NCIPL) is a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches. NCIPL works with faith communities to address the causes and consequences of global climate change and promote practical, hope-filled responses through education, outreach, and public policy advocacy. Please visit our website for information on our current programs, campaigns, and events.