Domestic, international policy chairmen urge action on global warming

Published: 2004-07-08

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The chairmen of the U.S. bishops' domestic and international policy committees sent a joint letter to members of the Senate urging action on global warming. "We hope that as the Senate takes up legislation it will use the occasion to adopt measures that will genuinely help to mitigate the effects of climate change," said the July 6 letter, signed by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Domestic Policy, and Bishop John H. Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Fla., chairman of their Committee on International Policy. "The United States bears a special responsibility to lead and help shape responses that serve not only its own interests but those of the entire human family," the letter said. "The adoption of even modest efforts could help send a signal that the time has come to move forward." In their letter, they did not endorse any particular measure to rein in global warming. The prelates said, "We especially urge you to address the needs and concerns of the poor" during the Senate debate on the issue.

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