Environment

Alberta bishop questions the morality of oilsands

by mtippett | January 26, 2009 at 05:35 pm

181 views | 14 Recommendations | 3 comments

Weighing the environmental cost of developing the Alberta oilsands the head of the Catholic Church in the Province has some concerns.

The Roman Catholic bishop for the region around Alberta's massive oilsands projects is questioning the "moral legitimacy" of their rapid development, saying the destructive effect on the environment is against God's plan for the earth.
In a pastoral letter posted to the website of the Diocese of St. Paul, Bishop Luc Bouchard says the earth is a gift that, undamaged, allows people to sense God's existence.

"Therefore, even great financial gain does not justify serious harm to the environment," he writes.

Oilsands developments threaten the natural order on an overwhelming scale, Bouchard says.

I've often wondered why Christian leaders have not been more vocal defenders of the environment. After all, their religious beliefs argue against the need for material wealth and the accumulation of assets.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Uwe Paschen

at 17:46 on January 26th, 2009

I like that. Finally. Maybe now the Conservative will listen, after all don't they believe in the Church?

And I wondered about the same thing my self, why has the Church not been more vocal about this issue since we are suppose to be the good Shepherds.

Barry ORegan

at 23:08 on January 26th, 2009

And let's not forget all those Altar Boys! HA

JHazell (not verified)

at 23:15 on January 26th, 2009

I'm not a religious man but "Amen!!" about time the church weighed in on the environment instead of saying its all "God's will". We are supposed to be the caretakers for this planet and its inhabitants, not the destroyers. What will your God say when you meet him I wonder??? What did you do to make the world a better, healthier place??? Probably nothing??? Good on you Bishop, your boss is very pleased I am sure.