In the context of the G7 group of nations meeting in England, bishops representing the Catholic communities of England, Wales and Scotland wrote to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stress the importance of a just and sustainable future for our global community.

In 2021 the United Kingdom holds the Presidency of the Group of Seven – an inter-governmental political forum focusing on economic issues consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the United States of America – and hosted their leaders, along with the EU Commission and guest countries, to a summit in Carbis Bay. Cornwall, on 11 – 13 June last.

The Bishops said, “The urgency of the global ecological crisis, and the teachings of our Catholic faith implore us to speak out, take action, and make decisions that benefit our planet and the most vulnerable in society.”

“The emergency of the ecological crisis has a human face, recently highlighted by the Vatican’s guidance on climate displaced people. In our race towards our own technological and economic advances, we have caused the exploitation of people and the degradation of our planet. Energy and infrastructure are vital in supporting the poorest in our societies out of the pandemic and out of the ecological crisis, but we must look towards a future whereby we radically reduce our use of fossil fuels – something which the countries which you represent have a shared responsibility for, in ensuring fair outcomes for the benefit of all.”

The bishop signatories were Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton and Lead bishop for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Bishop John Arnold of Salford, Chair of CAFOD and Lead bishop for the Environment and Bishop William Nolan, Bishop of Galloway and lead bishop for Justice and Peace for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.