On September 1, Pope Francis and Orthodox Christian leader Patriarch Bartholomew released a passionate joint appeal to protect the environment. This is the first time that a pope and the ecumenical patriarch have joined forces to comment on a pressing issue in this way. Their statement coincided with a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation called for by the Pope. In the statement, the Pope and Patriarch Bartholomew say that “We no longer associate with nature in order to sustain it; instead, we lord over it to support our own constructs…Our attitude and behaviour towards creation obscures our calling as God’s co-operators.”
As we continue to fight for climate justice, Earth Ministry recognizes that we are more effective when we work together across religious lines. By issuing this joint statement, Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew help pave the way for increased cooperation among diverse groups of Christian, and they demonstrate the power of united Christian voices calling for the protection of God’s creation.
—
“Pope and Orthodox Christian Leader Issue Unprecedented Appeal for the Environment”
By Christopher Lamb
Religion News Service
September 1, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis and Orthodox Christian leader Patriarch Bartholomew have released a passionate joint appeal to protect the environment, marking the first time that a pope and the ecumenical patriarch have joined forces in such a way.
They made their appeal for the Earth, a major theme of Francis’ papacy, on Friday (Sept. 1), as Texans grappled with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, South Asians coped with floods that have left millions homeless and scientists warned that such natural disasters will multiply if climate change is not addressed. (continued…)
To read the entire article, please click here.