To the editor:

George Will wrote a very interesting column challenging the factual rhetoric of Pope Francis. His observations about the pope’s position on environmental, social and economic issues are not without merit. While I am sure these matters are of real concern to the leaders of the Catholic Church, I wonder how seriously the public is willing to consider the greater human and moral issues inherent in the pope’s pronouncements.

Given the necessary separation between church and state, the assumption is that there is no moral relationship between the two. While the majority of those working in the social/political arena may believe in the existence of God, there is the belief that what goes on in the political arena is of no concern to God. Christians, on the other hand, believe that the Creator is not some abstract pie in the sky, but has a real concern about what his people are doing with their talents, as they will one day be held accountable for all their activities.

While the Church does not pretend to know all the economic, scientific and political answers of the moment, the church, as God’s earthly witness, is in a superior position to make judgements as to the correctness of what is going on among his people.

Whether our primary identification in life is with society or with the church, it makes no difference. In the mind of God, “We are all our brother’s keeper.” May he find us all to be good stewards of the talents that he has given to each of us.