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Pope Francis' Challenge - Watch his history-making speech to Congress

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By Sally Stovall

In his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis challenges all of us to reflect upon the impacts of our lifestyle choices and of public policy decisions on both the natural world and the social environment:

“I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.”

You are invited to join with others at 7:00 p.m. on September 24th at the Oak Park Main Library to watch this historic address to the joint houses of Congress (recorded earlier in the day).  Following the speech, please join us for a facilitated conversation to consider its implications for our personal choices and the public dialogue needed to address climate change leading up to the UN Climate Summit in Paris in December.

Faith communities and environmental organizations are joining the call for a “Week of Moral Action on Climate & Justice,” coinciding with Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, during which he will visit Washington, DC, New York City and Philadelphia.

Pope Francis was invited by House Speaker, John Boehner to address Congress, and he will be the first Pope ever to do so.  "The Holy Father's pastoral message challenges people of all faiths, ideologies, and political parties. His address as a visiting head of state before a joint meeting of the House and Senate would honor our nation in keeping with the best traditions of our democratic institutions. It would also offer an excellent opportunity for the American people as well as the nations of the world to hear his message in full."  -- from Speaker Boehner's press office

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Sally Stovall