Mayor Fischer, Bellarmine President McGowan to deliver opening remarks

A panel of environmental experts and theologians will discuss how Pope Francis’s recent call to action on environmental sustainability can help shape public policy and individual action in Louisville and the region. The discussion takes place at Bellarmine University on Monday, September 14, at 7 p.m.

Mayor Greg Fischer and Bellarmine’s president, Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, will deliver opening remarks at the event, titled “Caring for our Common Home: A Panel Discussion on Pope Francis’s Challenge for Greater Louisville.”

"Whether you're Catholic or of a different faith -- or even no religious belief -- the teachings in the Pope's encyclical provide important lessons for humanity to protect our planet," said Fischer. "Our most important natural resource is our Earth and my team is committed to creating a cleaner, greener city through our Sustain Louisville plan. This event by Bellarmine will help our city understand where it fits in the global effort to improve our collective environment."

The panel includes Maria Koetter, director of Louisville Metro’s Office of Sustainability; Tim Darst, executive director of Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light; and the Rev. James Flynn, a retired pastor from the Archdiocese of Louisville. Dr. Justin Klassen, an assistant professor of theology at Bellarmine, will moderate the discussion and invite questions from the audience.

The event takes place in the George G. Brown Center’s Frazier Hall on Bellarmine’s Campus. [campus map]

In June, Pope Francis released Laudato Si’, an encyclical that calls for dialogue on how humans can shape the future of our planet. The September 14 panel discussion is part of Bellarmine's response to the Pope’s request for dialogue and action to protect our environment.

The panel discussion is presented by Bellarmine University’s School of Environmental Studies and the theology department.