Invitation to Participate in Interfaith Prayer Gatherings to Protect Mother Earth

[Stewart Vriesinga]

* * * * Instead of Colombia I am temporarily working with the CPT Aboriginal Justice Team with New Brunswick Natives who, along with other allies, are trying to protect Mother Earth from the burgeoning fracking industry. The same battle, different front--protecting traditional ways of life and traditional territory from corporate greed and destruction.

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Invitation to Participate in Interfaith Prayer Gatherings to Protect Mother Earth

The grassroots people of the Siginigtog territory of Elsipogtog and their allies in Kent County, New Brunswick invite you to join a series of inter-faith prayer gatherings to seek wisdom and guidance to protect Mother Earth and her peoples. We recognize the true wealth which Creator-God has provided to sustain us � the lands, waters and air that we need to survive. Industries, governments, and other powerful decision-makers assume themselves to be the creators of wealth. They continue to sacrifice human and environmental health on the altar of a false god called �economic growth.� We are especially concerned about the threats that the shale-gas industry poses to the health of wetlands and drinking water at this time.

The grassroots people of Elsipogtog and their allies recognize that Creator-God requires us to look after Mother Earth and each other, but we realize that his task is not ours alone. We have learned that collective prayer is an effective way to celebrate in support of the journey to peace and friendship with Canadians and First Peoples through the successful contributions of other peoples of faith. Building on the success of prayer gatherings held during the well-reported �Lobster Wars� at Esgenoopetitj (Burnt Church) and the �Say Yes To Indigenous Rights� campaign in Maliseet territory, these prayer circles will focus on ways to ensure that New Brunswick, wholeheartedly and with respect for indigenous rights, ceases to allow the damage caused by the shale gas industry to continue in the Siginigtog territory.

We are inviting peoples of all faith traditions who also feel called to be good stewards and protect Creation to join us as we seek guidance and direction at this critical time.

Dissenting parties should be named in prayer without judgement or condemnation, seeking only guidance from Creator-God to help them to act according to the highest good. All are encouraged to share their unique stories of bravery, kindness and success in delivering justice, human rights and for the protection of Creation.

There are two ways in which faith groups can participate:

1. Attend in person at an interfaith prayer gathering in Moncton at Riverfront Park at 3 p.m. on Sunday July 28^th. (For Riverfront Park location see map below)
2. Hold Prayer Circle events in your own community on or near the date of the Moncton gathering. For those who choose this option, we ask that each community provide the rest of us with feedback on their event as well as news of any courses of action that they take to support this spiritually-led initiative.

(Those wishing to learn more about native spirituality an other event is being planned in the near future, probably around or near the Sacred Fire. The date is yet to be determined)

Traditional indigenous spiritual leaders will continue to hold ceremonies and prayers within their territories and are encouraged to join their neighbours in prayer circles and educational activities. Already accepted by a number of congregations, this invitation continues to be extended, gathering strength and unity for the health and well being of all.

For more information, please contact:

Christian Peacemaker Teams (416) 423-5525 - Willi Nolan (506) 785-4660 (New Brunswick)