Let's Talk Protection of Our Farmlands

The Josephites in Ireland have been expressing concern about coal seam gas exploration in that country. Their concerns, coincidentally, have been echoed in the past month by Josephites in Tasmania, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand. This is clearly an issue that calls us as Josephites to examine what is happening, to see the need and to take action to do something about it.

Amnesty International distributed information about an online petition against coal seam gas exploration in Ireland in early May. If you haven’t had a chance to do so, you can find out more about  coal seam gas in Ireland here.

If you wish to know more, the Conference Of Leaders Of Religious Institues NSW (CLRI NSW) has published a paper on the problems associated with coal seam gas, and the enormous implications for both farmers and farming communities, as well as for communities and the earth generally. You can access this paper here (printer friendly version), and we will also forward it to the congregations and provinces. In addition, you may wish to borrow the documentary, Gasland, from your local Video shop. It explores the issues surrounding the very same problem in the United States.
 
Prepared by the Josephite Justice Office