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.
The Bishop’s Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour.’ It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of First Nations people.
Two international meetings in the coming months will be crucial moments in the fight against climate change and biodiversity destruction. COP-26 on climate change and COP-15 on biodiversity. Catholic groups are lobbying for action. The Conference of Parties COP26 (31 Oct – 12 Nov, 2021)… Read More »COP15 and COP26: “A Call to Action”
New resources are now available that are aimed at making the Bishops Social Justice Statement 2021-22, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor real in our communities: Bishops Personal Reflection Videos on What Creation Means to Them & Posters and Floor Decals Posters and… Read More »New Resources Make Real Bishops Statement
The Diocese of Parramatta and the Archdiocese of Sydney have both had a busy month in August and September as they launched the Australian Bishops Social Justice Statement 2021-22, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, ran several events for the Season of Creation… Read More »Parramatta and Sydney Dioceses gather for climate and refugees
The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has released their global and much anticipated 6th report, finding that “unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5’C or even 2’C will be beyond reach.” This translates… Read More »IPCC Report: Earth on “Red alert”
1 September – 4 October is the Season of Creation. A worldwide coalition of Christian churches organises and runs this global event which calls for all to pray and act to protect our common home, or God’s Oikos. The theme for this year is “A… Read More »Season of Creation