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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span style="color: red;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font color="#000000"><span class="093265017-21072009">Contact: Rev. Dennis Sparks:
</span>304-344-3141</font></font></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="left"><font face="Times New Roman">A CALL FOR PEACEFUL DIALOGUE IN THE COAL
FIELDS</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">We
have all viewed with growing consternation the level of tension, confrontation,
threats, and harbingers of violence in our
West Virginia coalfields around the issue of
mountaintop removal mining. We call upon the civic leaders of our state, the
coal industry, and environmental groups to desist in using inflammatory
rhetoric<span style="color: black;">, and to avoid activities that could create
confrontation. We ask leaders to encourage an attitude of understanding toward
those with whom one disagrees.</span></font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><font face="Times New Roman">Let us take the opportunity during these challenging
times to return to the basic tenets of our society.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">“You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,” said Jesus of Nazareth, “and
you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) To his Christians
followers, Jesus expands this command even further. “Love you enemies. Pray for
those who persecute you. For in doing so you will show yourselves children of
your heavenly father who sends rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew
5:44-45)</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">As
Christians, we are obligated to treat others in the manner in which we want to
be treated. This requires us to respect the God-given dignity of all people, and
their right to express their views in a reasonable manner.<span style=""> </span>When we disagree, we must respect the
other parties’ right of lawful assembly, and<span style=""> </span>freedom of speech, as guaranteed by the
US Constitution.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">The
recent cancellation in South Charleston , because
of unnamed security concerns, of a film premiere featuring a
West Virginia filmmaker
indicates the level of fear and uncertainty being experienced. Violence of any
kind in this situation would be a terrible result, but violence against our
neighbors is particularly tragic.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">It
is understandable that people on both sides of the issue feel threatened and
fearful. Miners worry that their jobs will disappear, and with them their income
and means of supporting their families. They are concerned that other good jobs
will not be available to them. Other coalfield residents feel endangered by
blasting, slurry impoundments, and toxic substances that affect their health.
They fear the loss of heritage and culture when they are forced to leave
communities that have been their homes for many years or generations.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">Leaders of our state government have a special
responsibility to represent all West Virginians
equally. We call upon them in this tense situation to be measured in their words
and actions. They should avoid any appearance of partisanship. Whatever their
personal opinions may be, their public duty must take precedence.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called
God’s children.” (Matthew 5:9) With our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon all
citizens to be people of peace, to maintain calm, and to act and speak
non-violently. We encourage all who find themselves directly involved in the
issue to study non-violence and peacemaking tactics. When anyone is faced with
hostile actions and language, we ask that they remember we are part of one human
family. </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><font face="Times New Roman"><strong>West Virginia
Council of Churches</strong></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><font face="Times New Roman"><strong>Program Units
on Governmental Concerns and Peace with
Justice</strong></font></p></font></div></div></blockquote></td></tr></table><br>