Activities at the Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice, Newfoundland
July 8, 2014
Fracking:
At the Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice (MCEJ) collaboration with international, national, and local networks is central to our work. With a focus on Fracking we are working closely with the following organizations:
- Newfoundland Fracking Awareness Network (NLFAN) : At the beginning of May, 2014, shortly after the release of a report by the “The Council of Canadian Academies' which rased glaring gaps with regard to our understanding of the impacts of fracking the NLFAN held a press conference. The purpose of the Press Release was to put pressure on the Canadian governments for an external independent public review of Fracking here in our province. The provincial government has put forth the idea of an internal government review as their way forward. Unfortunately we could not accept the invitation to directly participate in the NLEN press release as there were other Board meetings that I had to attend at that time but we did support them .
- Canadian Religious Conference : Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation-Atlantic
At a gathering of the religious sisters from different congregations in the Atlantic area in Moncton a letter was prepared, signed by thye various congregations and sent to all our provincial government Ministers of the Environment and leaders of opposition parties in Atlantic Canada as well as to our federal government. The intent of the letter was to pressure our Canadian governments to grant a moratorium on fracking to the provinces in Atlantic Canada which do not presently have such a moratorium. NL is the only province in the Atlantic that has a moratorium.
- Development and Peace:
Participating as a member of the steering committee of Development & Peace I took the opportunity to put forth a resolution for Development and Peace to publically support a Moratorium on Fracking locally and globally.
- KAIROS Canada: Sue Wilson CSJ and I represent CRC Canada on the KAIROS Board.
At a recent KAIROS Canada Board meeting we approved an Ethical Reflection Paper on Fracking prepared by KAIROS staff members using a theological framework prepared by Sue Wilson, CSJ.
The KAIROS Board has also put forth a Divestment Policy for consideration to the churches and religious organizations.
Programmes at MCEJ
During Lent at the Mercy Centre we offered noon programs with a comfortable lunch and discussion for action using the following films: “The Economics of Happiness”, “Keeping the Earth”, “Awakening the Dreamer”. In addition we have had two public screenings in two parishes of the Film: The New Universe Story.
Summer Ecology and Justice Day Camps for Children
For the past three weeks we have been preparing for our three one-week Summer Ecology and Justice Day Camps for children in grades two, three and four, five. The purpose of this project is to increase awareness in young children of their interconnection and interrelatedness with all of creation and of the responsibility to use the gifts of creation respectfully and carefully in a spirit of gratitude.
Gardening:
At this time of year here at the Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice we are very cognizant of the physical, mental and emotional therapeutic benefits as well as the profound kinship with all life which gardening offers. Presently our Gardening Committee is busy enriching and nourishing the soil and putting all in readiness for planting. Through our gardening project we engage New Canadians and people with mental health issues who we hope will experience the benefits of gardening, delight in new growth and in harvest time be nourished by its fruits.
-Mary Tee rsm
