“Mercy, Mercy, Me - the Ecology” - Marvin Gaye
Posted by admin on Dec 6th, 2006
Pictured, Archbishop Flynn and Senator Norm Coleman
I covered this story not too long ago, it was titled, “Gore-ed To Death…” Now the story is once again getting more press. From Catholic News Service:
Clergy, laypeople seek action on global warming, climate change
By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Throughout the United States, clergy and laypeople concerned about global warming and ecological changes are seeking new approaches to slow, stop or reverse the changes.
Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul-Minneapolis was one of three Minnesota religious leaders who met Nov. 20 with Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., urging Coleman to help lead efforts to mitigate the threat of global warming.
“Global warming is a religious issue,” said a Nov. 20 letter to Coleman signed by Archbishop Flynn and 29 other Minnesota religious leaders. “We need energy policies that guarantee global-warming emissions will decrease, that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and that tighten fuel economy standards.”
“I don’t think people in our community realize the catastrophic effect of global warming,” Archbishop Flynn said. “This is a problem for all.”The meeting with Coleman came three weeks after a Pax Christi gathering in Eden Prairie, Minn., that drew hundreds who wanted to learn about climate issues from a Catholic perspective. - CNS
[Just as an aside for music fans, "Mercy, Mercy, Me, the Ecology..." is from Marvin Gaye's classic album, "What's Goin' On." circa 1970. Was the Church concerned then? Not so much - just the hip.]
Now back to the article.
“I don’t think people in our community realize the catastrophic effect of global warming,” Archbishop Flynn said. “This is a problem for all.” His Excellency is correct of course. Whereas liturgical abuses, or controversial sex-ed programs in Catholic schools, and similar hot button issues still hanging out there are mostly just a problem for Catholics, as opposed to “all”. I just don’t know if this ecology thing is as important for the Clergy as is the salvation of souls and other Church related issues. Scientists, Politicians, and a host of celebrities have us focused upon this situation already.
I wonder if the Clergy shouldn’t keep their eye on the ball a little bit better. Maybe do a joint statement with politicians in hopes of abolishing abortion, or to prevent the use of aborted foetus for medical research - that seems to be a more catastrophic global issue affecting life as we know it on earth. I don’t think we’ve won those battles yet. I’m not questioning the sincerity of the Archbishop, nor the importance of the global warming threat, but this issue seems more like a political side step to me, kind of a PR thing.
The jury is really still out on the subject of global warming, if it emanates from human activity or if it is a natural cycle the planet is experiencing. Media is accused of creating a hysteria about it all, and as I said, it’s something Chesterton might refer to as a fad. Drudge has some reports about the controversy, go here for one climatologist’s opinion.
Nevertheless - it is interesting that Church and State can come together on some things when they want to. The Church can be useful to politicians.
