Endorsements of the People’s Pastoral

“This new pastoral letter highlights the ‘magisterium of the poor’ and continues the tradition of the previous letters, with more than a thousand listenings across Appalachia with special attention to marginalized persons and the devastated earth. [The Catholic Committee of Appalachia has] listened with their hearts as Pope Francis has called us to do.”
—Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.
Bishop of Lexington, KY

“Absolutely stunning in its gathering of diverse voices of human beings and the land, this People’s Pastoral is even more profound in its call to practice resurrection in crucified places. One needs to read and ponder it slowly, with the heart, as with a psalm. Then the wisdom born in pain in the region of coal can spark the struggle for beautiful lives in other regions of the country and the world.”
—Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ
Distinguished Professor of Theology, Fordham University

“Congratulations on the People’s Pastoral! [It] has raised ‘story’ to the theological level the church and society needs to hear.”
—Fr. John Rausch
Glenmary priest,
Former Executive Director of Catholic Committee of Appalachia

“As Pope Francis himself says, ‘God is not afraid of new things.’ [This People’s Pastoral is] in sync with Pope Francis.”
—Sister Beth Davies, CND

“This is the most reflective, beautiful pastoral I’ve ever read. I think it should be a model for the Bishops.”
—Sister Donna Butler, SP

“[The People’s Pastoral] understands that the Good News is likely to come from these people, not from books and degrees. And it is trying to call that forth. Coal is the Pharaoh in Appalachia. The pastoral helps us think about how to stop building his pyramids.”
—Allen Johnson
Founder and Coordinator of Christians for the Mountains

“Reading the latest People’s Pastoral from the Catholic Committee of Appalachia is like lingering over a classic work of art.”
—Michael Barrick
Appalachian Chronicle

“[T]he document is a rich and soaring reflection on ‘what it means to follow Jesus in this place.’”
—Sojourners Magazine

“Embracing some three years of sharing stories, the pastoral invites us to join that harmony of listening. In the footsteps of Pope Francis, listening promotes the first step for solidarity with the poor and the devastated Earth.”
—Fr. Les Schmidt
Glenmary priest,
Regional Worker for Catholic Committee of the South (CCS),
Bishops’ Liaison for Gathering for Mission project

“The Telling Takes Us Home is a microcosm of the current plight of the planetary community. In a way it offers a smoothly transitioned, localized sequel to Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home,’ reading every bit as beautifully and powerfully.”
—Sharon Abercrombie
National Catholic Reporter

“The Telling Takes Us Home is a lyrical and theological call for justice to the poor and eco-justice to the land in Appalachia. It is also a love letter by the church to the people and communities, the hills and valleys of the Appalachian region…. If [this “people’s pastoral”] gains external impact equal to the other Appalachian letters, it will influence religious environmentalism and social justice work far behind church circles, regardless of official reaction…. [It] is worthwhile reading for all scholars of Appalachian culture, economy, and society, and potentially inspirational reading for both the devout in the generally curious. Reading the three CCA pastorals together yields a survey of enduring problems and resilient hope in Appalachia over four decades.”
—Gilson Waldkoenig
Journal of Appalachian Studies