Pastor: 'Where Would Jesus Frack?'

HARRISBURG - A Lutheran pastor yesterday told environmentalists that there is a scriptural basis for opposing Marcellus Shale drilling and legislation pending in both state houses to regulate it.

The Rev. Leah Schade, pastor of the United in Christ Church in Union County, wore a hand-sewn white patch that said, "WWJF - Where Would Jesus Frack?" and dropped to her knees to demonstrate the power of prayer.

Asked later to answer the question on her blouse, Schade said, "I don't believe Jesus would be fracking anywhere." She cited Genesis 2;15. "God put human beings into the Garden to till it and keep it, not drill and poison it," Schade said.

The Bible also counsels people to look out "for the least of these," Schade said.

She was one of many speakers at a Capitol rally to oppose proposed legislation that would pre-empt local zoning in locating and regulating deep natural-gas wells. The groups attending were as varied as Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club. The legislation is pending in a conference committee of House-Senate negotiators. "Kill, the bill! Kill the bill!" people chanted.

Roberta Winters, speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters, said the league "is appalled" that the General Assembly is considering H.B. 1950 and S.B. 1100.

"Pennsylvanians act locally to protect their communities," Winters said. "Local ordinances reflect local values. . . . Elected officials need to be responsive to their constituents who vote, and not to corporate lobbyists who peddle financial influence."