CLIMATE CONTROVERSY
A reader whose letter was printed in the Spring issue — safely perched over 4,500 feet above sea level — claims that climate change should not be a prime factor when making decisions regarding land use. Yet, accelerating sea rise leads the inhabitants of coastal cities worldwide to at least question its cost. Residents of Kiribati and Tuvalu in the Pacific, the Maldives and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean and even Bermuda have been forced to leave their properties.
This same reader is perhaps unaware that the average wind speed of over 20 mph in Boulder and Fort Collins just north of Denver is optimal for wind energy generation. The facts are that once used, fossil fuels pollute and disappear, while solar, water and wind do not pollute and can be endlessly used. Even the lithium in electric vehicles can be substantially reused.
Most of the world’s population lives in cities, where it is a struggle politically and socially to develop a circular economy which reduces, reuses and recycles natural resources. This is the care we owe for the gift of our earth.
Arthur Rigor da Eva
Stoughton, Massachusetts
DOING GOD’S WORK
In response to letters to the editor in the Winter 2023 issue, global warming is very much a religious issue. The good Lord gave us tools to use our resources wisely, which include increasing renewable energy and reducing dependence on coal and oil as energy sources. Fertilizers and pesticides do improve products and intensify production — but at what expense?
Challenging our leaders in research, in all levels of government, in philanthropy and in the religious community with respect to global warming is paramount in our country and world today. Thank you, Maryknoll, for being an advocate for our environment. You certainly are doing God’s work.
Jeffrey Finnegan
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
STEWARDSHIP, A DUTY
I was saddened and disturbed by the two letters in the Readers’ Responses of the Maryknoll Winter 2023 issue that claimed “global warming is a political issue” and “environmental philosophies” are not “God’s work.” If caring for God’s miraculous creation is not God’s work, what is?
Stewardship of the earth is a duty of the faithful and a right to life issue. It is not inherently political, as destruction of nature affects all of us — first and foremost, the poor. True, renewable energy is not a panacea and it does not occur without effort and cost. But to go on the way we are, valuing money and comfort over human survival, is truly a grave sin against the Creator.
Marie Slattery
Hoosick Falls, New York
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
In response to the letter titled “Column Raises Doubt” in your Winter 2023 issue, I honestly appreciate concern for the poor who are “burdened” by the high cost of “renewable energy.” However, I do have a related point to state: isn’t it strange that the United States can spend trillions on weapons of mass destruction while continually resisting every dollar proposed to save the Earth?
Thank you for neither being “political” nor “religious” regarding these important issues — but rather for your spiritual guidance in these crucial times.
Michael Pelepko
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
PAYING ATTENTION
A reader wrote a letter published in Winter 2023 about global warming being a political issue, not a religious one. I disagree. I think it is very important that we pay attention to global warming — it is a real thing. My husband was a farmer and we garden with no pesticides.
Bonnie Sawyer
Auburn, Washington
YOGA NOT CATHOLIC
I love the Maryknoll mission and have supported it for many years. I especially like the Maryknoll magazine that arrives throughout the year.
However, in the magazine’s latest issue, Spring 2023, the article “Creating a Sustaining Community” by Carolyn Trumble shows Maryknoll Lay Missioner Kathy Bond leading a chair yoga class! Yoga is not compatible with Catholic doctrine and it is not simply a form of stretching. It is a form of religious worship. Please advise your staff, and I would welcome any comments.
Thanks for all you do. I just wanted to make you aware that it shocked me to see this being done in mission!
Kristin Taubel
Necedah, Wisconsin
HELP AT HOME?
I would like to thank the Maryknoll Sisters for their work with migrants at the border, seen in Sister Genie Natividad’s “Strangers Become Guests” in the Winter 2023 issue. However, I’d wish our own homeless and very poor families were afforded the same type of reception and assistance.
Thank you for the great work around the world.
Dave Solhtalab
Concord, California
LAKOTA SPIRIT
Just finished another wonderful magazine from Maryknoll! I especially liked “In Search of Lakota Spirit” by Scott Giblin. Thank you for this story and for the World Watch column regarding the Philippines. We read each article and share the magazine with our son. We’ve been supporters since 1963. You are in our prayers. God bless you all.
Marge Wierman
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Featured Image: At Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Maryknoll Father Rodrigo Ulloa presents the Division II second place award of Maryknoll’s annual student essay contest to Emma Howell for her essay, “A Rose for Renewal,” about the vocation to religious life. (Courtesy of Rodrigo Ulloa/U.S.)
