Pa. church group ends gas drilling moratorium

PIttsBurGH ( AP)>> A Pittsburgh religious group has voted to end a yearlong moratorium on shale gas development on church property, which could clear the way for construction of a gas pipeline

he decision was made earlier this month by approximately 230 voting members of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette reported Wednesday. Approximately one- third of the Presbytery voted to renew the moratorium.

Sheldon Sorge, general minister to the Pittsburgh Presbytery, acknowledged the division within the Presbytery on the moratorium and the pipeline, but he said the churches maintain a strong environmental commitment. The Presbytery represents the region’s 150 Presbyterian churches.

“There is significant controversy in our communities about shale gas development, and because it is in our com- munities, it is in our churches where we see deeply divided concerns,” Sorge told the Post- Gazette. “But we remain united in responsible stewardship of the environment, even those open to churches talking to gas companies.”

The Presbytery also voted to allow negotiations with Shell Oil and Gas Co. for a gas pipeline across an undeveloped corner of the 226acre Crestfield camp near Slippery Rock.