The Adorers of the Blood of Christ are protesting a pipeline set to run through their property in Columbia. The nuns dedicated the chapel - built by community group Lancaster Against Pipelines - five days after filing a complaint against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in an attempt to keep the pipeline off their land.
According to a press release, the chapel will be used as a "24/7 site" of prayer and vigil when and if construction of the pipeline begins later this year.
Members of the Harrisburg Diocese and the sisters contend that construction poses a danger to God's creation and have declined repeated offers of compensation to allow for the pipe to be built.
Sister Sara Dwyer, coordinator of the congregation's justice, peace and integrity of creation ministry said: "This is something that we felt as a matter of conscience.
"We had to look at it more deeply and take a stronger stand."
She said the construction of the pipeline allowing the construction of the pipeline would run contrary to the congregation's Land Ethic, adopted in 2005, which says earth is a "sanctuary where all life is protected".
The Adorers of the Blood of Christ are one of several local landowners who have refused to sell their land to Williams Partners, the company that would own and operate the $3 billion, 183-mile pipeline.
The Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line which owns Williams Partners is seeking an injunction to take the land via eminent domain.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl is hearing the case, which will continue Thursday at the federal courthouse on Washington Street, Reading.
