Canada’s Catholic bishops are to be praised for their statement urging the Canadian government to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It’s a very important appeal but by itself is unlikely to make the government take action as it is deeply committed to NATO’s pro-nuclear policy. What’s also needed is for people to follow the lead of the bishops and to apply pressure on Canada’s leaders.
The statement by the bishops is in line with Pope Francis who seeks worldwide nuclear disarmament. The need for this approach is clearly demonstrated by India’s and Pakistan’s ongoing dispute over Kashmir.
These two nuclear-armed countries are involved in a dangerous confrontation that could easily lead to war. If they were to use nuclear weapons millions would perish and put radioactive dust into the atmosphere spreading all over the globe.
Claudio Ceolin,
Toronto
Young leaders
Re: Youth must be heard (Oct. 3):
Your timely editorial endorses Pope Francis’ strong support for our youth’s robust defence of environmental protection by reminding us that “young protesters must be heard and their calls for action answered.”
The world depends on celebrities like Pope Francis and activist teenager Greta Thunberg to raise their voices to help save our world, which is facing an existential crisis from man-made climate change.
We saw in awe many thousands of youth demonstrating in Canada and globally on the critical issue of climate change. We must all work together to reduce the irreparable damage that is being caused to our Earth — the only home we have.
Rudy Fernandes,
Mississauga, Ont
Catholic cowards?
I agree with letters to the editor that mentioned that The Catholic Register should not bend to the left, trying to please everyone. We don’t have to apologize for having faith and believing that God is in control. We have to defend the faith and life when they are cowardly attacked. Are we, as Catholic Christians, becoming cowards? Yet, we are very compassionate and welcoming.
We have no political party to stand up for the unborn. Is this possible in 2019? The fundamental right to life is not protected. How sad!
Sr. Elisabeth Coulombe,
Edmonton, Alta.
Too cavalier
Re: Climate changing around ‘R-word’ (Sept. 22):
Peter Stockland is comfortable in admitting that he “does not know” climate change. He then suggests that caring for creation is “neutral ground” in debates. Since when does Catholic social thinking advocate neutrality when life is at stake?
Stockland is far too cavalier on being agnostic on the science behind climate change. This luxury is not afforded to subsistence farmers in Bangladesh losing their farmland to rising seas, mothers in Guatemala losing children to disease brought on by flooding, African farmers losing livestock due to drought, and Indian farmers being forced to abandon their lands and work at below subsistence wages.
What is going on here if an educated Catholic is allowing himself to doubt what the overwhelming majority of scientists around the world are saying? And how is it that The Catholic Register has allowed Stockland to ignore the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor?
Simon Appolloni,
Toronto