CMSM Statement: Renewable Energy Transition

Original statement published by Conference of Major Superiors of Men

June 18, 2019

Renew the Face of the Earth: An Urgent Catholic Call to Energy Transition

Psalm 104 says “Lord send out your spirit and renew the face of the Earth.” CMSM released this statement regarding Pope Francis’ meeting on June 13-14th with major fossil fuel executives and investors at the Vatican. As U.S. Catholic religious leaders, we support Pope Francis’ recent urgent plea to these companies and investors to a renewable energy transition. In support of this global effort, we call on the U.S. Senate to pass the International Climate Accountability Act, which is a companion to the recently passed Climate Action Now Act (HR9). We also support an equitable pricing mechanism on carbon pollution along with financial resources toward a national transition to a renewable energy economy.

CMSM President Br. Larry Schatz, FSC says, “The journey toward holiness calls us to ongoing transformation and conversion. There are pivotal moments in our personal and social experience that determine the well-being of our fellow brothers and sisters, as well as the earth. Motivated by our Holy Father, our collective discernment has illuminated one of those moments for a renewable energy economy. Let us enter, be transformed, and grow toward holiness together.”

As Catholic leaders, we call on our fellow Catholics and inter-faith partners to take the lead in this area through prayer, local energy transition (ex. Catholic Energies program), and congressional advocacy until our earth is sustainably renewed.