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Kookaburra looking up against a background of green foliage. "COP 27 and COP 15 information sheet" is written in white on a background of light blue on the top right hand side of the image.

New Information Sheet on COP 27 & COP 15

This week COP27 continues. It is the first of two crucial global meetings where world leaders will discuss and make agreements to combat climate change and rapid loss of biodiversity. The office has created this fact sheet to provide information, prayer and action ideas for those following these events closely. Feel free to share with friends, groups, schools and parishes.

The five front-liner advocates showcased in The Letter stand together against a stone wall.

The Letter – Ground-breaking Laudato Si’ Film and Prayer Campaign

The Letter is a documentary showcasing the stories of frontline champions and promotes the message of Pope Francis’ letter to the world – Laudato Si’ Caring for Our Common Home. “Hello everyone. My name is Bilal Seck. My home has been affected by rising sea levels.” There is also a 40-day Laudato Si’ Prayer Campaign in the lead up to 14 November which marks when Laudato Si’ Planning Guides and all related materials will be published.

The two emblems of COP27 and COP15 on a white background and aqua border.

Looking Ahead to COP27 and COP15

The UN COP27 and COP15 are coming up in the next two months. These are key opportunities for global leaders to make the commitments necessary to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius and put protections in place to protect the beautiful biodiversity in God’s creation. A new State of the Environment Report discusses the tragic impacts on Australia already and more information and resources will be provided by the office in the next weeks.

Lismore Flood Recovery: “Standing on Holy Ground”

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A personal, on the ground reflection from Catholic Schools Diocese of Lismore Mission team on what Laudato Si’ means to them. They share their experience of ‘Standing on Holy Ground’ as they support each other to clean up after the floods and rebuild after catastrophic flooding where over 12 of their schools had damage to half of its buildings, and three completed inundated. You can support with prayers and responding to their appeal.

The text: "Crying Out: Exploring the Statement from the Heart and care for the environment" is in the centre of the picture with a faded slightly white picture of a native plant in the background.

Crying Out: Exploring the Uluru Statement from the Heart and care for the environment

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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.

A map of the Pacific Islands including Australia in the corner.

Talanoa Meeting – NCCA Assembly

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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 silhouette of a person putting a ballot in a ballot box.

Bishops Call for a Better Kind of Politics

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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.

Laudato Si' Week 16-24 May

Laudato Si’ Week Australia: 16 – 24 May 2022 

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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.

A photo of a protest sign reading "There is no planet B"

Steady State Economy Workshop

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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.

Stylised globe with the text "UN climate change conference UK 2020"

Now is the Time to Act

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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.