Catholic Social Teaching and Energy Policy: Fracking, Tar Sands, Climate Justice

The McGowan Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility was established to be a visible, dynamic expression of the commitment of King's College to offer students intellectual, moral, and spiritual preparation for satisfying and purposeful lives. That commitment has its origins in the understanding of education distinctive to the tradition of the Congregation of Holy Cross. In the words of the College's founding president, King's teaches students "not only how to make a living, but how to live" (Father James Connerton, C.S.C., 1946). Education is accordingly a work of both instructing minds and cultivating hearts.

2013 Feast of Saint Francis Lecture

Catholic Social Teaching and Energy Policy," Dave Andrews, C.S.C.David Andrews, C.S.C., Senior Representative, Food and Water Watch, and former Executive Director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference

Thursday, October 3, 7:00 pm, Burke Auditorium, McGowan School of Business

Most recent articles

In global fight against fracking, faith community should lead

"Given those dangers, there is good cause for caution and responsible oversight before further fracking proceeds (currently, more than 30 states permit fracking). The Catholic Rural Life Conference has pushed for an infusion of ethical analysis into the fracking debate, like what has occurred in other issues, from agriculture and labor, to energy, water and other natural resources." 

Another article

http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/br-david-andrews-morality-fracking

Just providing notice - it is important to attend events of this nature. 

Holy Cross Br. David Andrews is a senior representative at Food and Water Watch, a consumer group based in Washington. He is former director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. The Rural Life Council -http://www.ncrlc.com/

Article from their website - a little more balanced than Dave Andrews- - http://www.ncrlc.com/news.aspx?ID=348

•"Rev. Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, argues that there needs to be much more in-depth debate about fracking, and much more stringent controls. “Local communities need to have more voice about what happens inside their town,” he strongly urges.

If fracking is to continue, then we need far better systems to store, clean and reuse fracking water. Sawtell does not call for an outright ban, but he is clear that a more cautionary approach is needed. “The polar choice between blessing and curse is far too simplistic, because there are some aspects of each. The very large and very real dangers of fracking, though, must be addressed more quickly and clearly than we see in current policies.”

Hopefully, most will agree we must not lose sight of the real goal in energy development: transition to renewable energy. That requires steadfast will among politicians and the public for a more comprehensive, long-term energy policy beyond fracking "

Important Note Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross Valatie, New York

The Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross owned 450 acres of land in Valatie, New York, when Brother David Andrews arrived in 1976 to create a Retreat and Conference Center. Brother David developed a local board of directors including people from the Diocese of Albany. Contacts within the New York State Assembly Committee on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy, especially Mabel Gil, encouraged the Brothers to develop programs on "alternative agriculture". http://www.crystalspring.org/html/religlandsstoriessvalat.html