On September 23, arguments will be heard in a West Virginia case being reviewed before the Fourth Circuit Court in Richmond, Virginia. This case is the appeal of an October 11, 2007 decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers, prohibiting a coal company from starting new valley fills at Jupiter Holdings Callisto mine in Boone County. Judge Chambers ruled that permanent damage to streams and forests outweighed temporary and speculative economic harm to the company.

As the time for a decision on this appeal approaches, it is clear that whichever way the Court decides, many West Virginia residents will consider themselves to be adversely affected. Some in the coalfield communities fear their homes and heritage will be lost, and their health threatened by valley fills. Miners are worried about losing surface mining jobs and their capacity to support their families.

"As people of faith, we feel it is of great importance that we support all our fellow citizens involved by calling for calm, non-violence, and reasoned dialogue surrounding this issue and the upcoming court decision," said Rev. Dennis Sparks, Executive Director for the West Virginia Council of Churches.

There is also concern that our elected officials and community leaders respond temperately to the hearing and the eventual decision. "State and federal officials should remember that they represent all West Virginians: miners, coal industry representatives, community residents, and environmentalists. We are all members of the larger community," said Carol Warren, Chair of the Government Concerns Committee.

The Council of Churches invites people of conscience to a period of fasting and prayer for peace in the coalfield. They are designating the two weeks beginning September 9, 2008 through September 23 as a "Fast for Peace in the Coalfields," and invite all concerned West Virginians to select one of more days of prayer to join in this effort. To register as part of the "Fast and Prayer for Peace and Justice in the Coal Fields" email peacelovemom@gmail.com.