Editorial

We hear a lot about global warming and the effects of climate change on our environment. But is there anything we can do to help protect the earth?

Some answers came recently from an unexpected source: the Vatican's United Nations nuncio. Archbishop Celestino Migliore talked about how every Catholic can do something about climate change by adopting a life of voluntary simplicity.

It comes down to "working less, wanting less, spending less," thus reducing the impact each person has on the environment, Archbishop Migliore told participants gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the second in a series of regional Catholic conversations on climate change April 14. His talk was reported in a Catholic News Service article.

Inescapable reality. The Vatican diplomat outlined the Holy See's position on the need for Catholics to heed the environmental dangers the planet faces. "The denigration of the environment has become an inescapable reality," he said.

While some people seem to downplay environmental threats and the role we humans play, the archbishop disagreed with such views. "There is no doubt that the latest assessment has established a strong connection between human activity and climate change," he said, referring to a February statement by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Demand action. Archbishop Migliore acknowledged that although not all scientists agree that climate change is occurring, other environmental threats, such as indiscriminate deforestation, water pollution, the lack of potable water in many parts of the world, and the depletion of fish stocks, demand action from the world community and individual Catholics alike.

Any steps to protect the environment must depend on more than the use of technology and traditional economics; they must depend on "ethical, social, and religious values as well," he said.

While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has not decided which legislative initiatives to support, it is obvious that individual Catholics can heed Archbishop Migliore's advice. By living more simply - even by taking small steps such as the ones printed at right [above right] - we can help protect our earth. This is important now and for the future.

Mary C. Uhler

Mailbag

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Provide access in churches
for persons with disabilities

To the editor:

Loved the Herald cover photograph taken at the Apostolate to the Handicapped Spring Day [April 26 print edition]. Monsignor Campion is a true leader and innovator!

Hopefully we with disabilities will see his efforts bloom in our individual parishes one day. That we will see the access requirements of persons with disabilities met in parish worship, educational, and social events just as non-gifted parishioners enjoy the public address system, lighting, pews, rest rooms, and other accommodations to their needs.

I noted event announcements in the same Herald issue such as a talk on Mother Teresa. Neither church mentioned in the announcement is equipped with an assistive listening system . . . nor was there any mention of an American Sign Language interpreter or other access related information.

Another parish planned a "Mystery Bus Trip" . . . again no information was included in the flyer addressed to persons who may require an accessible bus or who have other mobility adaptations or needs.

Many persons with disabilities are gainfully employed and active in secular organizations, and would enjoy being free to worship and socialize within a parish. All too many leave the church in tears and anguish at their exclusion.

Peggy Rakow, Madison

Understand need for priests

To the editor:

I must comment on the findings of Guided by the Spirit. Only prayer can save our parishes and bring God's grace. I asked a priest to pray Adoration for vocations, but the people won't come. Now the parish wants to pray by traveling chalice, but only three families have signed up.

Do we understand the need for priests? They are living examples of our Lord Jesus. They teach repentance and then give absolution. We must do sacrifice and penance not only for self-sin, but that of others. What a gift our Lord's Divine Mercy is! Only then can we take part in Our Lord's sacrifice of the Eucharist. Otherwise the people suffer in the pains of their sins and that of others.

How will our sons live the life of a priest if we do not show them how to sacrifice and pray? Do we study the Bible and Catechism with them so they understand God's truth, so to live it?

I went to church on Good Friday with my infant granddaughter. She was the only infant there. Where will the world be when our grandparents are laid to rest and their prayers are heard no more in the churches? Look at the people who do not know God's truth.

We need our sons' and daughters' prayers. Pray at home for our parishes to be filled with priests, so they will not close. Pray the rosary and novenas.

Laurie Favreau, Janesville

Don't tolerate co-habitation

To the editor:

In response to Professor Janet Smith's column (April 12 issue): Free love outside of marriage has serious social consequences on the institution of marriage; . . . the backbone of a strong moral society is the family.

When a union is made by promiscuous partners, it is not stable and is subject to divorce and children who become problematic. Note that over 30 percent of children being born are to unmarried persons, primarily teenagers. This contributes to a breakdown of a society.

Couple living together out of wedlock should be ostracized, not tolerated or even condoned! The controlling influence is the woman. Women, keep your legs crossed until there is marriage, then welcome your partner. This is the message that needs to be emphasized.

What say you, Janet?

Stan Beranek, Watertown