SUGGESTED AGENDA FOR GAS DRILLING DISCUSSION
BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Purpose:  To involve church members, wherever in the United States gas drilling is operative or proposed, in biblical and theological dialogue, in order to equip and motivate them to engage in discussions and decisions in their respective communities.  People are encouraged to reach down to their biblical roots and to draw on the broad wisdom from churches throughout the United States in order to make their best response to this particular issue.  

Target audience:  Biblical and theological considerations are commended to everyone, whether or not they have been approached about a gas lease and regardless of whether they have signed one.  People are encouraged to think as broadly as possible and learn all they can in order to make the best possible decisions in the future. 

Read through the Biblical Considerations sheet - Biblical Considerations

Read through your denomination’s statements on environmental and economic stewardship - United Methodist Social Principles

Read through the two articles, one lauding and one criticizing, on drilling in the Barnett Shale in Fort Worth, Texas.

Drilling for Dollars - Barnett Shale

War of the Wells by Rusty Middleton

Read the statement by the National Council of Churches - NCC Statement - 8/2/08

Discuss the following questions:
Given our fast-paced life and our mobility, how can we gain a greater appreciation for the connection we have with our ancestors and the legacy we will leave our descendants? 

If natural resources are considered a gift from God for human use, how much effort and energy should reasonably expended in harvesting them?  What reasonable short- and long-term effects can we feel comfortable with leaving as a result of harvesting these resources?

What probable short- and long-range impact can gas drilling be expected to have on the environment and on human health?   Possible impact? 

How can a sense of stewardship of God’s creation be effectively commended to those with a strong sense of “private” land ownership? 

For those who decide that drilling for gas is not the best choice, what are possible alternative uses for the land?  (examples:  sustainable agricultural efforts aimed at marketing food to local residents, sustainable energy production such as wind and solar) 

How can you and/or your church be involved in fostering productive and sustainable use of natural resources in your area?

Follow the discussion with the proposed action steps: 

• Add the name of the local church hosting your discussion to the ongoing list, along with the date. 
• Send suggestions to the National Council of Churches Eco-justice office that would improve this material and make it more useful to subsequent discussion groups. 
• Attend meetings of local groups involved in promoting and discouraging gas drilling, seeking to learn what you can. 
• Identify another church group in your area to host a discussion.

Churches that have hosted this discussion:
            Beach Lake United Methodist Church, Beach Lake, PA, July 28, 2008