Some describe the Canadian Oil Sands as an environmental holocaust; others refer to it as environmental Armageddon. Catholic Bishop Luc Bouchard of the St. Paul Diocese in northeastern Alberta (which includes the oil sands around Fort McMurray) decided to pen a heartfelt 5,000 word essay to his parishioners about the morality of Canada’s Oil Sands.
The essay entitled A pastoral letter on the integrity of creation and the Athabasca Oil Sands to the faithful of the diocese of St. Paul on the occasion of the Jubilee Year in honour of St. Paul, has created quite a bit of renewed discussion on the viability and morality of Canada’s Oil Sands.
We gave the humble and heroic man of God - Bishop Luc Bouchard - a quick call to ask him a few questions about his bold move and why he felt compelled to speak up.
Why did you write the letter?
The Tar Sands is a preoccupation that we all have. The Tar Sands is in my dioceses. We all have a responsibility; we all have a responsibility to do what we can do.
How are the parishioners responding?
The parishioners are responding very favorable – overwhelmingly favorable I would say – very favorable.
How has the media responded?
The media tries to get the story, but the story is all in the letter. I have had response from every province in Canada. I even had an inquiry from London, England.
Who is the letter for?
My letter is mostly addressed to the decision makers, to the lawmakers, to them, because they have the responsibility of making decision about the Oil Sands. I am hoping on their goodwill.
Do you think we need more leaders?
I think we should try to do everything we can. But, I am not a man of a cause; I am a man of the gospel. I try to encourage what is good and discourage what is less good. We shouldn’t lose hope.
What I said in the letter I didn’t invent, other people have been saying the same thing for some time. I am only one small voice.
Read Catholic Bishop Luc Bouchard’s letter here.
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