International Catholic Voices

Climate Change Statement from the Irish Bishops

The bishops of Ireland released a long-awaited statement on climate change on November 10, 2009.  They invite all, “to reflect on ‘that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying’ (CV n. 50).”  Read the press release and download the statement here.

Bishops from Around the World Call for Climate Justice

A declaration issued by Catholic International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (CIDSE),  ” A Call for Climate Justice,” (December 2008)  was signed by many Bishops world wide, stating that:  We are deeply concerned by the disproportionate impact humaninduced climate change is having on poor and vulnerable people living in developing countries. Poor communities in developing countries are subject to the harshest effects of climate change, though they have done least to cause it…. It is our moral obligation to take urgent action to tackle climate change and to do so in support of those most affected. Read entire statement here.

Canadian Bishops Pastoral Letter on Caring for God’s Creation

In October 2003, our Commission for Social Affairs released a letter on the Christian ecological imperative entitled “You Love all that exists… all things are Yours, God, lover of life” (Wisdom 11.26).  Since then, the United Nations has declared 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth. We wish to take this opportunity to continue our reflections with our nation’s Catholics.  The Synthesis Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the challenges to be addressed. Scientific and technical developments can help, but we will not succeed without a personal and collective conversion. It is in this spirit that we propose this reflection which is intended to inspire us. Read entire Pastoral Letter here.

German Bishops’ Report on “The Challenge of Climate Change”

“Climate Change: A Focal Point of Global, Intergenerational and Ecological Justice, An Expert Report on the Challenge of Global Climate Change” (published in 2006 and updated in 2007)  includes a foreword by the President of the German Bishops’ Conference, wherein it states:  Global climate change probably represents the greatest existential threat for the present and, to a much greater extent, for coming generations, as well as for non-human nature. Consequently, the biological, social and spatial consequences are a serious challenge for humankind.  We must actively address this challenge. As those to whom God entrusted creation as a loan, we humans bear responsibility for its well-being. Read the entire Report here.

International Catholic Organizations Working on Climate Change

We share ideas, information and programs with overseas partners who are also addressing the issue of climate change from a Catholic perspective. Partners include:

• Catholic Earthcare Australia
• Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
• Trocaire
• Catholic International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (CIDSE)
• Caritas Internationalis