Is the Pope Protestant?

by | published on Jun 30, 2015

Donna Schaper

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” – Psalm 90:2

Perhaps you join me in being enthused by the Pope’s encyclical.  The Pope’s words have changed the narrative about climate.  It will come from praise, not protest.  It will come as one subject, uniting the economy and the environment.  The Pope has de-gentrified the subject, making it clear that environmental crisis will help the lost and the least most of all.  The Pope has used his moral authority, authoritatively.  If you have ever prayed about how it is 113 degrees in Pakistan today (as I write today), you might even see the Pope as an answer to multiple and multiplying prayers.

I make the joke about the Pope being Protestant because I am ready to follow him as my moral leader. My Catholic friends say I should find my own damn Pope.  I think not.

Prayer

In the name of the mountains, in the name of the sea, in the name of creation, thank you, Pope Frances and God.  Amen.

ddauthordonnaschaper.jpgAbout the Author
Donna Schaper is Senior Minister at Judson Memorial Church in New York City. Her latest book is Prayers for People Who Say They Can’t Pray.