Prayer Proclamation, “Our God Can Heal the Land”
March 15, 2023 | Ohio
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — on February 3rd a Norfolk-Southern train with one hundred-fifty rail cars caught on fire and continued for twenty miles before crashing in the eastern Ohio community of East Palestine. Approximately twenty rail car tankers carrying hazardous chemicals were involved in the derailment.
A “controlled release” led to the explosion of these deadly chemicals into the air, water, and soil. The total impact on human health on immediate and surrounding areas remains unseen. As the world is watching this tragedy unfold, a group of clergy from various denominations across the state responded with a prayer proclamation and call to action.
“As lead clergymen representing one hundred-fifteen congregations across Ohio, we believe the Heavenly Father can heal the land,” said Pastor Dave Rentzel. “We also believe Norfolk Southern Railway has a moral obligation to clean up to the best of its abilities the derailment site and surrounding areas adversely impacted by the hazardous chemical release.” (Excerpt from Front Lines Ohio.)
