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June 18, 2015Statement regarding Pope Francis’ ecology encyclical
BISMARCK, N.D. (June 18, 2015) – The following statement is being released on behalf of Bishop David Kagan, Diocese of Bismarck.
Environmental stewardship is central to the moral roots of our faith. Care for God’s creation is the responsibility of all human beings as outlined by our Holy Father in his encyclical “On Care for Our Common Home."
A change of heart that Pope Francis is asking of us will be a chance to witness our faith and begin to reverse the tide of global destruction. We have an extraordinary opportunity to drive this change from our energy resource-rich state. Everyone’s actions matter from in-home recycling to advocating for responsible harvesting of natural resources in our state’s coalmines and oil fields.
Pope Francis is calling for radical change to our “throwaway culture.” In his document, he challenges each of us do our part to preserve God’s gifts for future generations and prevent the poor from suffering the worst effects of industry-induced environmental degradation.
All of what Pope Francis is saying is premised on the unique and inviolable dignity of the person to whom God has entrusted the care of His creation; and all of creation is a gift from God to us not to be abused, but to be used in such a way that it helps us save our souls and the souls of others.
Let us prayerfully respond to Pope Francis’ plea for a change of hearts and call to action.
To read Pope Francis' entire document go to: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
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MEDIA: Please contact Sonia Mullally, director of communications for the Diocese of Bismarck, at 701-204-7190 or [email protected].