Individuals of faith, please read the petition below and let candidates for governor know what you believe by signing this petition. Have a different kind of conversation this election season - one that unites hearts and deepens understanding. Congregations and organizations, become a "Pillar of Support" by emailing your institution's name and address to mindfuladvocacy@gmail.com.

STATEMENT ON TACONITE AND FRAC-SAND MINING IN WISCONSIN

We, the Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, the Wisconsin Interfaith Power and Light, and the Snowflower Sangha, join countless other citizens uniting in response to the threat of the Gogebic Taconite Mine in the Penokee Hills, the industry-serving 2013 Act 1 Iron Mining Law, and frac-sand mining in Western Wisconsin. We stand with all those who support sustainable consumption of natural resources, environmental justice that does not force a few to bear the brunt of extraction, and democratic processes.

We urge the development of policies and practices that reflect humanity’s ethical wisdoms, those common to all faith traditions.  Because of our love for Wisconsin, nature, and all Earth’s species, we here articulate a shared ethic for moving forward and a set of commitments to protect each other and future generations.

We invite you to join us by co-signing this statement, translating your shared values into action, and making ethical decisions a central focus of individual and collective life in Wisconsin.

A SHARED ETHIC

“And the Earth shall shine with the light of its Lord.” Qur’an (39:69)

Protecting Life.  Christians, Muslims, Jews, Native Americans, Buddhists and other spiritual traditions understand the physical universe is sacrosanct, the physical manifestation of God, or God’s creation. To think otherwise is to live in a world deprived of the sacred.

Taconite and Frac-sand mining destroys God’s creation by killing living mountains, rivers, rock outcrops, and the sentient and non-sentient beings that depend upon them. It ruins habitat and water resources. We endorse development proposals across Wisconsin that protect public health and safety as they safeguard a thriving and beautiful natural environment.

“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)

Caring for Others. Unsustainable development demonstrates a lack of care for others. Mining companies may promise to design projects that respect cultural sustainability for indigenous people, but in Wisconsin, taconite mining proposals violate Chippewa treaty rights and threaten sacred wild rice beds. Taconite and frac-sand mining are inherently financially unsustainable, because of the “boom and bust” nature of the mining industry. No argument can be made for open-pit mining as an enhancer of environmental sustainability.

Taconite and Frac-sand mining goes against our sacred trust with future human and non-human generations because it robs others of the opportunity to enjoy riches given to all. Past and future generations depend on us to protect the sanctity and integrity of life’s web and to resist endeavors which hurt their ability to thrive and survive.

“I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering.” (Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh - Fourth Mindfulness Training)

Open Communication. Taconite and frac-sand mining companies have a track record in Wisconsin of lying, breaking promises, and withholding critical information from decision-makers and stakeholders. When individuals or corporations with concentrated wealth and influence mislead for private gain, they distort and short-circuit the fabric of democracy—the foundation of America’s strength.

We call upon elected officials to promote and facilitate discussions in open and transparent forums. Corporations, leaders, and citizens are called to work together to reconcile differences and keep our community together. By listening to and learning from Wisconsin’s diverse voices, leaders will make laws that reflect collective wisdom and safeguard our state’s future.

“Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?” (Ezekiel 34:18)

Careful Consumption. Sacred scriptures and great spiritual leaders like the Buddha advise followers to consume in ways that preserve the collective body of our families, society and the Earth; we do this as an act of self-defense, protecting all incarnations of existence.

The peace and well-being of our children depend upon our mindful consumption, our mutual ability to end harmful actions, and our commitment to act on behalf of the long-term well-being of all.

COMMITMENTS

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”  (Romans 15:19)

We commit ourselves to cultivating reverence for all life and learning ways to honor creation by respecting ecological principles and natural systems.  We will devote ourselves to stopping harm, moderating consumption, and facilitating the transition toward a more compassionate and sustainable economy. We will establish respectful and equitable relationships, and provide service to human and nonhuman communities so all may thrive.

We commit ourselves to speaking out against violence and injustice, even when doing so threatens our safety. We commit ourselves to learning from others and defending those whose survival or way of life is threatened. As guardians of future generations, we commit ourselves to participating in discussions impacting the rights of future generations to a healthy planet and advancing policies that sustain harmony and well-being. We will let go of rigid views and work to reconcile differences.

We commit ourselves to living from our ethics. We will work to align personal spending and consumption, public policies, and financial and social systems with the laws of nature. We will learn, teach, and model Earth-friendly lifestyles. We will be content and express gratitude for the bountiful gifts of life.

PILLARS OF SUPPORT

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
Wisconsin Interfaith Power and Light
SnowFlower Sangha
Wisconsin Friends Action Network
Open Heart Mindfulness Community of Green Bay