Pope Speaks Out on Climate

​History was made yesterday afternoon, with Pope Francis making his first visit to the United States. There was no mincing of words at the White House this morning when the Pope avowed the necessity for all of us to act on climate – today. You can see what he had to say here.

This evening, Brandon Cheshire, owner of SunHarvest Solar, will be taking part and speaking at a prayer vigil outside of Senator John McCain’s office. The vigil will highlight the Pope’s address to Congress happening tomorrow, a historic and important day.

We want to share Brandon’s speech for those of you unable to attend as we believe it’s a very important message. Here it is:

“Our Sister, Mother Earth, cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by the irresponsible use of the goods with which God has endowed her.” 

In his powerful encyclical, Pope Francis calls not only on the world’s 2.2 billion Christians, but also on all “men and women of goodwill to act as faithful stewards of the earth’s waters, skies, wildlife, and land.” 

We MUST honor our moral obligation to protect future generations from the dangers of climate change, and embrace our ethical duty to act. 

Millions of the world’s poorest and underserved people are living on the front lines of climate change every day. All too often, the most vulnerable among our communities – our babies and children, pregnant mothers, grandparents, and the infirmed – suffer first and are the most afflicted by the devastating impacts of climate change.

We have a responsibility, according to the pontiff, “To do better, by the planet and by our fellow human beings.” I couldn’t agree more.

Pope Francis’ first visit to the US comes at a pivotal point in modern history. His address to a joint session of Congress will provide the opportunity to execute his moral authority, and advance the common goals shared by humanity. It is especially timely as we press forward toward the United Nations Climate Summit in Paris later this year.

The Pope has put before us one of the most profound spiritual and logical questions of our lifetime: Will we embrace our moral obligation to be responsible stewards of the world that’s been entrusted to our care? Or will we preside over the ruin of the natural systems upon which all life depends?

Our answer will determine whether our children inherit a future that’s redeemed by our commitment to get this right, or condemned by our failure to act. It will say a lot about our willingness to live out the power and purpose of our beliefs, because…Our answer will be the legacy we leave.”

If you’re interested in attending the vigil this evening:

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 6:30 PM
Outside of Senator John McCain’s office
2201 East Camelback Rd. (Near 24th St.) Phoenix

Upcoming event:
SunHarvest Solar will also be taking part in Act On Climate Arizona – Our Moral Obligation
Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 9 AM to 11 AM
Civic Space Park
424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
More info.

“We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.” 
– Pope Francis

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