A new resource exploring the relationship between the Uluru Statement from the Heart and care for the environment has been released, aimed at small group discussions in a parish setting. The resource is a creation of the South Australian Dialogue of the Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches and can be used across denominations. A leader’s guide is also available through their website to help preparations.
You are invited to a Talanoa Meeting and dialogue taking place on 27 May, led by the National Council of Churches Australia. It will be an update from the Pacific Ecumenical Community featuring Rev James Bhagwan, the General Secretary of Pacific Conference of Churches, who has been a key advocate for climate justice. Talanoa is a way of dialogue that seeks consensus and integrating decision making.
The Australian Catholic Bishops have released a new election resource highlighting key issues for consideration this election. The guide doesn’t assign ratings to candidates or parties, but rather gives a background on the different issues that could affect the election and information on these issues from a Catholic perspective.
Why are the dates for the celebration of Laudato Si’ Week in Australia (16-24 May) different from those on the international Laudato Si’ Week website? These dates allow both Laudato Si’ Week, and National Reconciliation Week from 27 May –3 June, to be celebrated appropriately by Australian Catholics. The dates were announced in the Social Justice Statement Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor.
The Centre for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (NSW) is running an online workshop on “Whether the economy can serve the community’s needs” – Examination of perspectives and solutions within “Alternative policy frameworks”. Via zoom and from 9am to 3:30pm on Saturday 23 April, speakers will focus on answering questions on how an economy can serve community’s needs, while embracing respect for the Natural World.
In his message to COP26, Pope Francis said that “now is the time to act, urgently, courageously and responsibly.” Dr Sandie Cornish suggests that rather than being a cause for despair, the modest outcomes of COP26 should serve as a call to renewed action by every part of society. She reflects on COP26 and enrolling in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
Today, the World Day of Prayer for the Poor, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development announces the launch of the next phase of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. The ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace has played a key role in its development as a member of the Parishes and Dioceses working group.
Fr Richard Lennan, Professor of Systematic Theology at Boston College, addressed the First Assembly of the Plenary Council as one of its expert advisors. He explained that we need an ‘integral ecclesiology’ to parallel Pope Francis’ ‘integral ecology’.
“Today’s children and teenagers will face catastrophic consequences unless we take responsibility now.” Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury have released a joint statement on the protection of Creation. They cite the importance of GOP26, “We pray for our leaders who will gather in Glasgow to decide the future of our planet and its people…’To whom much is given, much is required.’ (Lk 12:48).”
The Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace is co-leading a 40-day prayer campaign based on the Laudato Si’ Goals, for communities joining the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. The prayer campaign begins on 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis, and concludes on 14 November, the World Day of Prayer for the Poor.