We the Congregation of St. Joseph, condemn and strongly oppose the Trump administration’s unconscionable decision to formally withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Nearly 200 countries signed on to the agreement in 2015 and made pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. is now the only country to pull out of the pact.
Moved by the global devastation caused by climate change and its effects on hunger, conflict and migration, we denounce this decision which threatens our commitment to protect human life, promote the common good and care for God’s creation. As part of an interconnected planet, the U.S. shares in the responsibility to care for our common home and its inhabitants, especially the poor and vulnerable who often experience the effects of climate change first and most severely, despite contributing little to the problem.
United with Pope Francis, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Catholic Relief Services, and many other organizations, we urge President Trump to reconsider this decision, rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, and reunite with the international community in hearing the “cry of earth and the cry of the poor” (Laudato Si).
We further pledge to continue strengthening our efforts to pursue the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and raise our voices to advocate for policies that slow or reverse the devastation of the planet, for the sake of the future of Earth and all of her inhabitants.
Actions You Can Take:
Read: ‘Laudato Si’ and contemplate how your personal lifestyle impacts climate change. Consider how you can make changes in your own life.
Pray: For our world and our leaders. Find prayer resources here.
Call: Your local, state, and federal legislators to promote legislation that opposes fossil fuels and focuses on developing green energy.
Join: An organization that is advocating for efforts to heal our Earth. Catholic Climate Covenant is a good place to start.
The Leadership Council for Women Religious (LCWR) and the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph have also made statements about the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, which we support. Read the full statement from LCWR here and from the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph here.
The Congregation of St. Joseph is dedicated to the care of the earth. We believe that we are all called to be protectors of creation, and we work to make choices that will lead to a sustainable future for our world. Learn more about our care of creation efforts here.
