Subject: SJCA eNews - 28 July 2005 - EIS Released St. Johannes Cemetery Alliance SJCA eNews Thursday, July 28, 2005 FAA ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) RELEASED Earlier today THURSDAY, the Federal Administration Agency released its massive EIS report, which immediately was being reported on by all the local media. In response to these newscasts, St. John United Church of Christ has received numerous telephone calls asking "what's next?" "What do we do now?" The "immediate answer" for those of us closely following this critical issue, is to continue on doing what we have been doing for the past couple of years - letting this process work its way through the legal system. This is not the end of this shared journey. There is no final definitive decision, despite what the media, and the Mayor, are reporting. Each and every SJCA eNews reader can continue to support all these efforts by continual prayer for the protection of our sacred cemeteries, and for the continued work of the excellent legal team which will pursue this until it cannot go any further. There is a ways to go yet, and every possible legal effort will be made towards a favorable outcome. Printed below is a special letter to all SJCA eNews readers from Bob Sell, who continues as a spokesperson for St. John UCC, and is our liaison with the entire legal team representing the cemeteries. I find in his message to all of us a word of great hope, as the struggle is a long ways from being over. Please take time to carefully read through his letter, as it accurately summarizes what is going on today. ****************** Dear Friends of St. Johannes Cemetery: If you keep track of the news, you may have heard that the FAA issued its Environmental Impact Statement regarding the O'Hare Expansion Project earlier today (July 28). As always, you will probably hear the City say (once again) that this is a done deal. It is not. I was told the same thing in July, 2001, and have heard it so many times that I don't even pay attention to those Public Relations people anymore. Our family members still remain at rest. I have provided our alternative view to NBC and ABC news today. Among other things, the FAA's Final Record of Decision must be issued in the Fall. A variety of other governmental approvals must be obtained. The City of Chicago must also come up with an amount of money bigger than any other public transportation project in U.S. History, at a time when the airlines are financially troubled. Even if they get all of that, they need to succeed in building a Northern Runway first, which would take several years and would have no impact on St. Johannes or Resthaven. The lawyers for the Church (thanks go out to them, by the way) remain resolute about continuing all of the efforts in the U.S. Federal Courts. The case is merely at the starting stages, even though it has been a year and half since it was filed. Even if the Church should get an unfavorable ruling in a lower court, there would likely be extensive appeals that usually take many years to decide. Many changes could happen in the political and aviation landscape while those court proceedings go on. In summary, the step taken by the Government today is but one additional step on a long and winding road. We do not know where that road will lead. However, I remain full of faith that wherever the road takes us, the journey is a part of God's plan. One other thing to note is that the FAA's approval of the Environmental Impact Statement was expected. Reflecting this, some of you may recall that I said in my comments to the FAA in March that the FAA's conduct had turned the public comment process into a "rubber stamp sham". We remain hopeful that the Federal Courts will have a similar view of the conduct of the FAA, and expect that they will take a much more serious look at the religious freedom issues involved. There is a great deal of paper from the FAA to review. Much of this will be posted at the websites of the Federal Aviation Administration, for those that are interested. Additional updates will be provided as events warrant. Yours, In Christ. Bob Sell.