To the editor:
I would like to express my gratitude to Pope Francis for writing his encyclical, Laudato Si’. He inspires us all to act on our calling to care for the gifts of God’s creation.
In 2001, the U.S. Catholic bishops said, “global climate change is not about . . . partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God’s creation and the one human family. . . ” Pope Francis’ encyclical endorses this and moves the climate change conversation beyond politics to the moral realm where it belongs.
My hope is that all of us will read this document, have dialogues about it, and support each other in taking action. Bishop Morlino encourages us to do this in his June 18 statement saying: “Read it, pray about it, and have honest discussion about what we can reasonably do to become better stewards of all of God’s creation.” This is the least we can do to serve the global poor who are most impacted by climate change yet have done the least to contribute to its devastating effects.
Anticipating the encyclical, some parishes have hosted presentations, led book discussion groups, and formed Care of Creation teams. These teams are making individual lifestyle changes, recommending actions their parishes could take, and advocating for strong policy initiatives to mitigate climate change. Will other parishes follow their lead?
Pope Francis calls us to act. Will we answer the call?
Trudi Jenny, Madison