As our journey into Deep Listening, Deep Reflecting and Deep Transformation is never fully completed, we need to pause occasionally to look for opportunities to take action in solidarity with people, communities and Earth.
We hope that you find the resources below helpful in discerning ways to address extractivism.
Additionally, since extractivism has very local impacts, we suggest focusing your efforts on what is happening in your local community. Seek out organizations working with communities threatened by extractive industries. Get on their mailing lists and discern where your skills, time and knowledge can best be utilized.
We would love to know how you choose to take action and to hear about the fruits of your actions. You may email us at justice@sistersofmercy.org.
TAKE ACTION!
Urge Congress to pass the FOREST Act, which would bar imports into the U.S. of goods sourced through illegal deforestation, a form of extractivism that is threatening vital ecosystems around the world.
Endorse the Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty to move the world away from oil, gas and coal.
Learn More
Current Extractivism Issues
Increased mining for minerals deemed critical to the energy transition
Advocacy for updating the 1872 Mining Law for the 21st century
Faith principles for sourcing minerals for the energy transition
Responses from Communities Threatened by Extractivism
Apache people strive to protect sacred land from copper mining
A Call from the Amazon to Build an Agreement for Life
Manaus Declaration for Human Rights in the Climate Emergency
Declaration on Mining and Alternatives in the Amazon Region. The Amazon: The complexities and challenges of its protection.
Educational Programming
Coming soon.
Prayer and Reflection Resources
Colorado River – I Am Red — 3 minute reflection from the perspective of the Colorado River
Ecospirituality, a 3 minute meditation
Rosary of Creation — Joyful Mysteries
Rosary of Creation — Sorrowful Mysteries
Rosary of Creation — Mystery of the Fullness of the Universe
Inter-religious Working Group on Extractive Industries
This coalition responds to extractivism with education, advocacy on federal policy in the United States, and solidarity with impacted communities. This backgrounder on extractivism explains why people of faith are called to engage this issue and suggests avenues for action.