Dear Jungsook, Today, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew released a Joint Message On the World Day of Prayer for Creation in which they acknowledge the earth as a shared good, and “fervently invite all people of goodwill to dedicate a time of prayer for the environment on September 1st”.
Furthermore they: “Urgently appeal to those in positions of social and economic, as well as political and cultural, responsibility to hear the cry of the earth and to attend to the needs of the marginalized, but above all to respond to the plea of millions and support the consensus of the world for the healing of our wounded creation. We are convinced that there can be no sincere and enduring resolution to the challenge of the ecological crisis and climate change unless the response is concerted and collective, unless the responsibility is shared and accountable, unless we give priority to solidarity and service”. Catholic Climate Covenant released a statement by executive director, Dan Misleh, in solidarity and support to Pope Francis’ and Patriarch Bartholomew’s statement. In it Dan says the Covenant: “Joins with these global spiritual leaders calling all to renew their commitment to healing the core relationships—with God, with one another, and with the earth—and help save the planet from our own carelessness and sin. We also acknowledge with them that “the human and natural environment are deteriorating together” and this deterioration impacts poor and vulnerable communities the most—again, witness what is happening in Texas and south Asia.” Please accompany Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew and us in prayer today. Then renew your commitment to heal the earth. Now more than ever we need your prayers, gifts, and advocacy. Sincerely, Catholic Climate Covenant |