PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
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October 9, 2009
ARCHBISHOP VICKEN AYKAZIAN ADDRESSES DEMOCRATIC SENATORS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, speaking in his capacity as President of the
National Council of Churches, was one of three religious leaders to address
a group of Senate Democrats on Capital Hill at a session on climate change
legislation on Wednesday, October 7.
"We have been given the responsibility to protect the world in which we
live," Archbishop Aykazian said. "It’s the responsibility of religious
leaders to keep the earth clean and to take care of the poor."
Speaking about recommendations from "the scientific community that there
must be a strong emissions reduction," Archbishop Aykazian said the U.S.
should aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent by 2020 and 80
percent by 2050.
He also emphasized the need to help low-income families cope with climate
change and any new energy regulations, which are likely to drive up the cost
of food, fuel, and other necessities.
In addition, Archbishop Aykazian said a minimum of $3.5 billion should be
set aside by the U.S. government to help the poor globally. Especially in
need, he said, are populations in the southern hemisphere, who are already
beginning to feel the effects of changing weather patterns, such as more
frequent flooding, long periods of drought, and the rapid spread of disease.
"We are given the responsibility to protect God’s creation and God’s
people," Archbishop Aykazian said.
Also speaking at Wednesday’s session were the Rev. Jim Wallis, president and
executive director of Sojourners, and Rabbi David Saperstein, director of
the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
The meeting was called to give religious representatives a chance to discuss
concerns about global warming with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.)
and Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Barbara Boxer of
California, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Richard Durbin and Roland Burris of
Illinois, and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.
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Photo attached: Archbishop Vicken Aykazian.