Washington D.C., Feb 20, 2017 / 14:03 pm
The United States government has the opportunity to overcome political divisions and respond effectively to climate change, the nation's bishops have said in a letter to the Secretary of State.
"The Judeo-Christian tradition has always understood the environment to be a gift from God," the bishops said. "From time immemorial, the people of our nation have recognized this gift in our abundant and beautiful lands, pristine waters and clear skies. Rooted in this tradition, Pope Francis called on the world's leaders to come together to protect the gift of our common home."
The Feb. 17 letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was signed by Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace; Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Justice and Human Development; and Sean L. Callahan, president of Catholic Relief Services.
"We have one common home, and we must protect it," the letter said.