Interfaith Group Tours Industrial Area

September 20, 2009

Author: James Bruggers

Source: Syracuse.com

Wire Service: AP

http://www.syracuse.com/religion/index.ssf?/base/national-62/1253436189230360.xml&storylist=religion

Packed on two school buses, about 80 people recently rode through Louisville's Rubbertown industrial area as part of tour put on by interfaith groups.

Participants saw chemical plants, a toxic waste dump, power stations, a sewage treatment plant and other industrial facilities. They passed through neighboring residential areas where people have long complained of being unfairly burdened with pollution.

"This is something that not just the religious community should be aware of," said Rev. Phil Lloyd-Sidle, pastor of the James Lees Memorial Presbyterian Church in the Clifton neighborhood.

The Sept. 15 event was sponsored by the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center, an interfaith spirituality institute, and co-sponsored by four other organizations: Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Kentucky Resource Center and the Center for Interfaith Relations.