Resources

U.S. Bishops

“At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God's creation and the one human family.”   —U.S. Bishops

Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good
In this statement on global climate change the U.S. Bishops declare that our response to questions and challenges surrounding this issue is an opportunity for national discussion and action. Read the statement: English | Spanish

Faithful Stewards of God’s Creation
U.S. Bishops’ web site on Environmental Justice with teachings, reports on what Catholics are doing around the
country, prayer resources, public policy backgrounders and more. Visit the site

Statements by Bishops Around the Country

January 2008

Bishop Matthew Clark issued a statement encouraging awareness about the "crucial issue facing our world," global climate change. He urged action to "protect our environment--and help people in need" by signing a petition which addresses climate change (sent to the governor and state legislators of New York).

June 2007

Archbishop Roger Schwietz opened the climate change hearings in Anchorage, Alaska, urging Catholics to look at the issues not from the top down, but from the bottom up—especially how they affect the lives and dignity of God’s most vulnerable people. Read the complete statement (PDF) 

February 2007

Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando wrote to Senate and House leadership, members of House Committees on Energy, Commerce and Natural Resources and Senate Committees on Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Public Works urging them to remember the poor and vulnerable in climate change legislation. Read the sample letter, which is addressed to Senator Reid (PDF)

Texas bishops urged Catholics to consider the environmental costs of a proposal to build eleven new coal-fired power plants in the state and called for legislation to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy solutions. Read the statement (PDF) 

December 2006

In the face of a proposal to construct new coal-fired power plants in the diocese, Bishop Ronald Gilmore of Dodge City urged Catholics to consider the harm to God’s creation caused by these plants. Read the statement (PDF) 

November 2006

Archbishop Harry Flynn of St. Paul-Minneapolis joined with other Minnesota religious leaders urging Senator Coleman to act on climate change. Read the statement (PDF) 

June 2005

Bishop William Skylstad, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged President George Bush to make action on climate change a priority as the President left for the G-8 Summit. Read the letter 

Bishop John Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee urged Senators to craft climate change legislation with the poor in mind. Read the statement (PDF) 

Statements by Bishops Around the World

Canadian Bishops' isssue a Pastoral Letter on caring for God's creation.