Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

In a joint announcement today before the historic Saint Anthony de Padua Church at Sandia Pueblo, the New Mexico Conference of Churches, representing most major church groups in New Mexico joined Sandia Pueblo in their call for a reasonable settlement on the Sandia Mountain issue.

On August 21, 2000, the New Mexico Conference of Churches unanimously voted to urge Senator Pete Domenici, and Representative Heather Wilson to make every effort to speed a fair and just settlement of the Sandia Pueblo claim to the West face of the Sandia Mountains. Since that time, another court ruling has moved the issue out of the courts and back to the Department of the Interior. Executive Secretary of the New Mexico Conference of Churches, the Rev. Barbara Dua stated, "The New Mexico Conference of Churches is here today to express our concern that all parties accept the recent ruling regarding the West face of the Sandia Mountains."

Sandia Governor Stuwart Paisano in expressing gratitude to the New Mexico Conference of Churches spoke to the religious aspects of the Mountain to the people of Sandia Pueblo, and the importance of the proposed Settlement Agreement, "Right now, to go to the mountain in practices fundamental to our religion, the Pueblo must receive permission from the United States government. These religious leaders, from churches of many faiths, and many denominations all have come together to agree that this is simply wrong, and can be rectified through the current Settlement Agreement." Paisano went on to state the current Settlement Agreement while supported by 77% of the public in a recent poll is a step toward environmental justice by preserving and protecting the mountain from any further development while protecting the rights of all involved, "It is gratifying that those of many religions can come together, and do what is right, and stand together as friends and neighbors. It is time we reached a resolution to this issue, once and for all, so all of us can live together and know that we have found a way to protect and preserve the beautiful Sandia Mountain."

That statement was echoed by Executive Secretary Dua, who took time to point out the importance of coming together to find a solution, "Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work for civil and human rights. It is an appropriate time to stand for justice. It is time for all parties related to the Sandia Mountains to move from adversarial action and to begin the important work of restoring relationships and living in harmony in our community." Paisano concurred that the time has come to put aside the acrimony, and move toward working as neighbors to make certain the mountain is protected and everyone's rights are preserved. He announced that Sandia would do everything it can to reach out to all concerned parties including the homeowners, the public, and all those who treasure the mountain, including the membership of the churches represented in the New Mexico Conference of Churches, "Today is the day we honor the memory of a great man, Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King was never afraid to reach out, and we at the Pueblo are going to follow his example and reach out to the members of your congregations. We ask for your support for the current Settlement Agreement and your support for preserving this mountain. It is up to all of us to protect one of God's greatest creations."