THE LATEST: Church of England praises papal encyclical

Copies of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si," (Praise Be) are displayed prior to the start of a press conference, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 18, 2015. Pope Francis called Thursday for a bold cultural revolution to correct what he calls the "structurally perverse" economic system of the rich exploiting the poor that is turning Earth into an "immense pile of filth."(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Copies of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si," (Praise Be) are displayed prior to the start of a press conference, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 18, 2015. Pope Francis called Thursday for a bold cultural revolution to correct what he calls the "structurally perverse" economic system of the rich exploiting the poor that is turning Earth into an "immense pile of filth."(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

By Associated Press June 18, 2015 5 min read

12:38 p.m. (1038 GMT), 6:38 EDT)

The Church of England has praised the papal encyclical on climate change, describing it as a compelling document that is not just good for Roman Catholics but everyone on the planet.

The church’s spokesman on environmental issues, Bishop of Salisbury Nicholas Holtam, described climate change as one of the great moral challenges of our times.

He said Pope Francis has underscored how the consumption of the wealthy nations has repercussions in poorer ones, and that what is “bad for our neighbors is also bad for us.”

He says churches and other faith communities “have a unique power to mobilize people for the common good and change attitudes and behaviors.” He called on leaders to achieve ambition and binding climate change agreements.