The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are one of more than 50 religious communities and faith-based groups to join in supporting three religious communities in central Kentucky in opposing the construction of pipelines that transport fuel derived from the use of hydraulic fracturing, known as “fracking.”

The Dominican Sisters of Peace, the Loretto Community and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth – who each call the “Kentucky Holy Land” area their home – asked other religious communities to support their efforts at opposing the fracking pipelines, which were originally planned to cross their property. The religious communities believe these pipelines create “widespread risks to natural ecosystems and human well-being.”

“An Energy Vision from the Heart of Kentucky’s Holy Land” is an effort to stimulate a deeper examination of energy use, said Sister Sharon Sullivan, congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. The hope is that advanced awareness of the dangers of processes such as fracking will lead to more sustainable energy practices, she said.

Churches of other faiths have also joined the effort, as well as faith-based environmental groups. UNANIMA International, a nongovernmental organization of the United Nations comprised of religious communities, including the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, is also supporting this effort.

To read the full version of “An Energy Vision from the Heart of Kentucky’s Holy Land” and see the groups and communities who are supporting the effort, click here.