G8 get their marching orders

In an unprecedented collaboration, the leaders Catholic bishops' conferences from seven nations, including the United States, have written to the leaders of the Group of 8 Countries to urge "bold action" on global poverty, health care, climate change and peace and security, at next week's G8 Summit in Germany.

The Group of Eight (G8), formerly G7 until Russia joined, is an international forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, these countries represent about 65 percent of the world economy.

The bishops wrote: "We also urge you to work towards greater access to quality education for all. Our concerns for these issues arise from our religious and moral commitment to promote human life, human dignity and care for God's creation."

From their lips to the G8's ears . . . . Stay tuned.