Working to promote greater care for the environment, the Catholic bishops of Washington state have released a statement on “Catholic Principles and Environmental Policy.” Released on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the environment, the statement draws upon teaching from Blessed Pope Paul VI to St. John Paul II to Pope Francis.

The bishops note that Washington voters will consider Initiative 1631, the carbon emissions fee measure called the “Clean Air Clean Energy Initiative,” in the upcoming election, and offer points to consider before voting.

Read the full statement below.