Catholic educators, environmental experts to examine court's climate ruling

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that curtails government action on climate change, the Catholic Studies Program of University of Detroit Mercy will host a dialogue bringing the religious and moral case for addressing climate change.

“Climate destruction: Catholic spiritual, moral and legal concerns about environmental justice,” brings together Jesuit priest Si Hendry, who chairs Detroit Mercy’s Catholic Studies Program, a woman religious with Detroit Mercy Law Associate Professor Nicholas Schroeck and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Matt Mio.

The event take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14, in person in Room 211 of the Chemistry Building on Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus. It will be livestreamed for those who register in advance at https://bit.ly/csp4001

“Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si, argues that climate change is fundamentally a spiritual and moral issue about how we honor ourselves, our neighbors, our children, our common home, and our Creator,” Hendry said. “The Supreme Court has decided to remove one of the tools we have to address the threat of climate change to life and well-being. It is time to speak up for a healthier, safer world.”

The Catholic Church has advocated for years for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Power Plan.  On June 30, the Supreme Court, in West Virginia v. EPA, interpreted this very policy in a way that severely restricts the EPA’s ability to address climate change.

Michigan-based Catholic advocacy group Strangers No Longer is also sponsoring this event. For additional information, contact Hendry at hendrysi@udmercy.edu.