Eco-Justice
Gabby and Butterfly - by Betty D. Thompson
"We are in such an incredible time in the evolution of the species. We are breaking into a new mode of consciousness. In the last fifty years we have experienced amazing breakthroughs in terms of civil rights, women’s rights, psychology, quantum physics, and the new Universe Story to mention a few. Each has invited us to see ourselves differently as interdependent and part of the Earth community." – Sister Nancy Schreck, Transformational Leadership
"Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it. Recognizing the reasons why a given area is polluted requires a study of the workings of society, its economy, its behaviour patterns, and the ways it grasps reality. Given the scale of change, it is no longer possible to find a specific, discrete answer for each part of the problem. It is essential to seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems." - Pope Francis, Laudato Si
"Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it. Recognizing the reasons why a given area is polluted requires a study of the workings of society, its economy, its behaviour patterns, and the ways it grasps reality. Given the scale of change, it is no longer possible to find a specific, discrete answer for each part of the problem. It is essential to seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems." - Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Learn and Act
- Current issues and opportunities to act now - Great monthly digest from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
- "Everything Is Interconnected." Sisters worldwide unite in action to "Sow Hope for the Planet," with a website to provide study resources and facilitate collaboration.
- In Laudato Si, Pope Francis wrote to "every person living on this planet" to charge all of us to care for Earth, our common home. He reviews the science and names the parts of the urgent crisis: pollution, climate change, water, biological diversity, global inequality. He affirms that the crisis has human roots, and offers hope and clear, inspiring princples for action so we can live up to our Gospel responsibilities. His encyclical Laudato Si is a powerful foundation for understanding and action. Also, a video intro in Italian and English (6:18).
- The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) has excellent 2-page analyses ("Resolutions to Action") on the costs of hydrofracking, the right to water, climate change-no denying it, transition to renewable energy resources, oceans in peril: acidification, hope in the face of fracking, climate: a common good, progress on climate change – finally, reducing and offsetting our carbon footprint, uneconomic growth, choosing simplicity – part 1 and part 2.
- A valuable, practical, fun list of 52 ways to care for creation from the Sisters of Mercy. Some favorites I've been working on: #40, 42, 44. But how many other lists include parties?! #51
- Superb resources at Catholic Climate Covenant. (LCWR is a very active founding member.) Specific things you can do:
- Menu of local action options
- Current advocacy campaigns (send a letter, etc.)
- Invite a speaker to talk with your group, parish, etc.
- Find good energy solutions for your Catholic organization, parish, school, office, etc. (and take a look at maps that show Catholic buildings and lands as a connected whole)
- Learn about church teachings about eco-justice
- Get ideas for homilies, liturgies and prayers, bulletin inserts, etc.
- Calculate your carbon footprint
- A-to-Z guide to reduce your carbon footprint
- 10 ways you can make a difference
- What is eco-justice? by Sister Joan Brown
- Solidarity with Creation page, with recent positive news stories, an eco-examen, etc., from the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center (22 communities of women religious)
- The Global Catholic Climate Movement, with info on activist campaigns and lots more resources -- includes a can-do link about the local eco-initiatives of a Seattle-area group of parishes, second link
- Sisters’ congregations are pioneers in the green movement. Many, many congregations have active, creative eco-ministries, lots more than those featured in this article. They welcome visitors and volunteers.
- Sisters of St. Joseph compiled fine resources - prayers, prayer services, community activities, advocacy activities, more - for the 2018 annual international ecumenical "season of creation" Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 (St. Francis' feastday). Many can be modified for use any time.
- Care for all Creation— six sessions for use by faith communities, created by the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center (IPJC).
- The Earth Charter—an international document that recognizes Earth as our home and calls on all citizens to take the necessary responsibility to respect and care for our planet.
- Examples of what a big, committed organization is doing - check out Seattle University's Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability
If you have ways to improve our Solidarity with Sisters Eco-Justice page, we'd be delighted to have them.
More ways to do something for justice and peace
Spiritual leadership - Dialogue that transforms - Human Trafficking - Immigration
Racial justice - Nonviolence
Racial justice - Nonviolence
