KAIROS: Ecumenical Justice Initiatives organized the seven-day tour of Edmonton, Fort McMurry, various First Nation communities and Fort Chipewyan. Among the delegates was Winnipeg Archbishop James Weisgerber, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"From a Christian perspective we believe that God is intimately involved in the world, God has made us stewards of the world and when we look at a project like this and the ramifications it has on the environment, on the future of humanity, it would seem rather strange if the church were not involved," Weisgerber said.

The archbishop said the real problem is with our desire and demand for oil. The group spoke out for reduced consumption, aboriginal rights and more independent studies on the impact of tar sands development on our water, ecosystems and health.