6. We reiterate our request to the President to recall all approved mining concessions, and to disapprove pending applications.

7. As shepherds we remind the faithfull of God’s injunction to us through our first parents to care for and cultivate the Earth (Genesis 2:15). As believers, we should live a lifestyle that is outwardly simple yet inwardly rich and compassionate to the Earth Community. We therefore call on all religious leaders:

· To support, unify and strengthen the struggle of the local Churches and their constituency against all mining projects, and raise the anti-mining campaign at the national level;

· To support the call of various sectors, especially the Indigenous Peoples, to stop the 24 Priority Mining Projects of the government, and the closure of large-scale mining projects, for example, the Rapu-rapu Polymetallic Project in Albay, HPP Project in Palauan, Didippio Gold-Copper Project in Albay, HPP Project in Palawan, Didippio Gold-Copper Project in Nueva Vizcaya, Tampakan Copper-gold Project in South Cotabato, Canatuan Gold Project in Zamboanga del Norte, and the San Antonio Copper Project in Marinduque, among others;

· To support the conduct of studies on the evil effects of mining in dioceses;

· To support all economic activities that are life-enhancing and poverty-alleviating.

8. As we have said in our 1998 statement, “even our best efforts will come to nothing without the help of God, our Creator. We invoke upon you the grace of the Holy Spirit who renews the face of the earth. With gratitude in our hearts we ask the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, to obtain for us a renewed land and a converted people.”

For the Catholic Bishops, Conference of the Philippines:

+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.
Archbishop of Jaro, President, CBCP
January 29, 2006

http://www.cbcponline.net/html/statementonmining.html

For the equally tough CBCP Pastoral Statement on RENEWING OUR PUBLIC LIFE THROUGH MORAL VALUES see http://www.cbcponline.net/html/statements.html