Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics

We are gathered here today in the spirit of peace for the good of all human beings and for the care of creation. At this moment in history, at the beginning of the third millennium, we are saddened to see the daily suffering of a great number of people from violence, starvation, poverty and disease. We are also concerned about the negative consequences for humanity and for all creation resulting from the degradation of some basic natural resources such as water, air and land, brought about by an economic and technological progress which does not recognize and take into account its limits.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: June 10, 2002 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=3473
Categories: Documents • In this article: Bartholomew I, Catholic, Christian unity, climate change, dialogue, ecology, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, ecumenism, environment, John Paul II, Orthodox, patriarch, pope, science, statements Transmis : 10 juin 2002 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=3473
Catégorie : Documents • Dans cet article : Bartholomew I, Catholic, Christian unity, climate change, dialogue, ecology, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, ecumenism, environment, John Paul II, Orthodox, patriarch, pope, science, statements

Earth Day Conference: Towards a Nuclear Free Future

On Earth Day, April 22, 2006, a conference in Saskatoon will feature local, national, and international speakers on nuclear issues and healthy positive energy alternatives. Entitled “Towards a Nuclear Free Future”, the conference will be held at the St. George’s Senior Citizens’ Club, 20th Street & Avenue M, Saskatoon, from 9 am to 4:30 p.m.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Apr. 22, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=228 In this article: education, environment, events, Inter Church Uranium Committee, nuclear industry, peace Transmis : 22 avril 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=228 Dans cet article : education, environment, events, Inter Church Uranium Committee, nuclear industry, peace

KAIROS Statement on the Canadian government’s Clean Air Act

For years, the Canadian churches have made care for the Earth an integral aspect of their justice work. There is no greater threat to our collective future than the destruction of the ecosystems upon which all life is dependent. Caring for Creation is a spiritual commitment to God that is not optional in our faith.
The Canadian government’s Clean Air Act announced on October 19 as the centerpiece of its so-called “Made in Canada” Green Plan for Canada lacks the vision and courage to seriously tackle climate change.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Oct. 20, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=270
Categories: News • In this article: Canada, climate change, ecology, environment, KAIROS, statements Transmis : 20 oct. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=270
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Canada, climate change, ecology, environment, KAIROS, statements

Déclaration de KAIROS à propos de la qualité de l’air

Les Églises du Canada ont depuis des années fait du soin de la Terre une dimension intégrale de leur travail de promotion de la justice. Il n’est pas de plus grande menace pesant sur notre avenir commun que la destruction des écosystèmes dont dépend toute vie. Prendre soin de la création est un engagement spirituel envers Dieu que notre foi ne rend pas optionnel.
La Loi sur la qualité de l’air qu’annonçait le gouvernement canadien le 19 octobre, en faisant la pièce maîtresse de son soi-disant Plan vert « fait au Canada », manque de vision et de courage. Elle ne peut pas s’attaquer avec force au problème des changements climatiques.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Oct. 20, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=271
Categories: News • In this article: Canada, climate change, ecology, environment, KAIROS Transmis : 20 oct. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=271
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Canada, climate change, ecology, environment, KAIROS

Nuclear Power is Not the Answer to Climate Change

The Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Dr. Helen Caldicott, MD, will speak in Saskatoon on Wednesday, March 7th at 7:30 p.m. at Third Avenue United Church. Her lecture is entitled “Nuclear Power is Not the Answer to Climate Change.” For further information, contact Marion at 306-373-0309; Inter-Church Uranium Committee: www.icucec.org; or email cleangreensask [at] yahoo [dot] ca.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 7, 2007 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=302 In this article: environment, events, nuclear industry, Saskatoon Transmis : 7 mars 2007 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=302 Dans cet article : environment, events, nuclear industry, Saskatoon

Solidarity and Justice Coffeehouse

The St. Thomas More Just Youth group is hosting a Solidarity and Justice Coffeehouse on Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. in the STM Cafeteria (1437 College Drive). The cost is $5.00 per person and all proceeds will go to Development and Peace. Come enjoy this wonderful evening of world music and entertainment!

The coffeehouse is sponsored by Just Youth along with the Newman Centre, St. Thomas More College and the University of Saskatchewan Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services Office. Just Youth is a student-led Development and Peace group. It organizes education campaigns and activities on campus, and encourages students to become involved in local justice initiatives.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 23, 2007 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=305
Categories: News • In this article: development, environment, justice, peace, Saskatoon, STM Transmis : 23 mars 2007 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=305
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : development, environment, justice, peace, Saskatoon, STM

Sustainability and Faith

A forum on religions’ contribution to a sustainable Saskatoon will be held April 12-13 at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth Street. Road Map 2020 and Multi-Faith Saskatoon are collaborating to present a forum on sustainability and faith.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Apr. 12, 2007 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=310 In this article: environment, events, interfaith, Saskatoon Transmis : 12 avril 2007 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=310 Dans cet article : environment, events, interfaith, Saskatoon

Evangelicals and Social Engagement

Evangelical theology stresses the importance of a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ and sees the transformation of individuals as an important part of the transformation of the world. However, the notion of a purely privatized faith in which the gospel only affects individual, personal or family life but has no wider implications for society must be rejected as inadequate.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Sept. 15, 2007 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=349
Categories: News • In this article: environment, Evangelicals, justice, peace, social policy, statements, theology, World Evangelical Alliance Transmis : 15 sept. 2007 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=349
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : environment, Evangelicals, justice, peace, social policy, statements, theology, World Evangelical Alliance

Winter Refresher: This Sacred Earth

St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon presents: Winter Refresher from February 10th to 13th, 2008. The theme this year is This Sacred Earth: the ecological challenge to religion with the theme speaker Dr. Heather Eaton.

For registration and information regarding Winter Refresher 2008. For additional information contact St. Andrew’s College: toll free: 877-644-8970; or www.standrews.ca.

Join us for Great Music, Engaging Theology, Stimulating Conversation, and Celebration.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Feb. 13, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=426
Categories: News • In this article: environment, events, Saskatoon, St. Andrew's College, study Transmis : 13 févr. 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=426
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : environment, events, Saskatoon, St. Andrew's College, study

Canadian Catholic Bishops pastoral letter on environment

Canadian Catholic Bishops pastoral letter on environment

(CCCB – Ottawa) – As part of the United Nations’ International Year of Planet Earth, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has published a pastoral letter which calls for a collective consciousness to face critical environmental problems affecting the earth.

Produced by the Episcopal Commission for Social Affairs, the pastoral letter is titled “Our Relationship with the Environment: The Need for Conversion.”

The Commission asserts that despite important commitments at summits held in Rio, Kyoto, Johannesburg and Bali, Canada represents “an extreme case” of non-compliance.

“After signing the Kyoto Protocol [in 1997], in which we agreed to decrease our greenhouse gases to six per cent less than those of 1990, we have instead increased them by approximately 25 per cent,” the letter explains.

The Bishops state that Canadians are not sufficiently conscious of the impoverished inheritance they are leaving for the generations to come. As a result, the Commission for Social Affairs calls for immediate adjustments to improve the current situation, particularly for the well-being of future generations and the Global South.

In order to restore humanity’s bonds with nature and lessen the effects of ecological breakdown, the pastoral letter proposes several ways Canadians can change, including:

• Regaining a sense of limit and adjusting our way of life to the planet’s available resources
• Freeing ourselves of an “obsession to possess and consume” and instead choosing “joyful austerity” or voluntary simplicity
• Making personal efforts in favour of the environment

The Bishops insist that responsibility for restoring a healthy relationship with nature falls on each individual, who must re-examine his or her perceptions about possessions and personal comfort. This will demand greater solidarity and new forms of sharing among all Canadians, they said.

In October 2003, the CCCB Social Affairs Commission published an earlier letter on the environment entitled “The Christian Ecological Imperative.” This text, as well as the recent pastoral letter which has just been published, is available on the CCCB website www.cccb.ca/. Printed copies may be ordered from mchabot [at] cecc [dot] ca.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 12, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=434 In this article: Canada, Catholic, CCCB, environment Transmis : 12 mars 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=434 Dans cet article : Canada, Catholic, CCCB, environment

CECC : une lettre pastorale sur l’environnement

CECC : une lettre pastorale sur l’environnement

(CECC – Ottawa) – Dans le cadre de l’Année de la planète terre, telle que proclamée par les Nations Unies, la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) vient de publier une lettre pastorale dans laquelle elle en appelle à la conscience collective face aux graves problèmes environnementaux qui frappent la planète.

Produite par la Commission épiscopale des affaires sociales, la lettre pastorale a comme titre : « Notre rapport à l’environnement : le besoin d’une conversion ».

Les auteurs de la lettre ne manquent de souligner qu’en dépit des importants engagements pris lors des rencontres de Rio, Kyoto, Johannesburg et Bali, le Canada représente un « cas extrême » de non-respect de ses engagements.

« Après avoir signé le protocole de Kyoto [en 1997], dans lequel nous nous engagions à diminuer nos émissions de gaz à effet de serre à 6 pour cent de moins que celles de 1990, nous les avons plutôt augmentées d’environ 25 pour cent », peut-on lire dans la lettre.

Les évêques notent que la société canadienne n’est pas suffisamment consciente de l’héritage appauvri qu’elle léguera aux générations à venir. Ils souhaitent donc que des ajustements soient apportés dès maintenant afin d’améliorer la situation actuelle, pour le mieux-être des prochaines générations et des populations de l’hémisphère sud.

En vue de rétablir les liens avec la nature, la lettre pastorale identifie un certain nombre d’actions qui pourraient être entreprises afin d’atténuer les effets de cette crise écologique, y compris :

• retrouver le sens de la limite et ajuster notre mode de vie aux ressources planétaires disponibles;
• se libérer de l’obsession de posséder et de consommer et opter plutôt pour « une austérité joyeuse » ou une simplicité volontaire; et
• consentir des efforts personnels en faveur de l’environnement.

Au dire des évêques, il incombe à chaque personne de rétablir les liens qui ont été détériorés avec la nature, de revoir sa conception de la possession et du confort personnels. C’est donc à une solidarité accrue et à de nouvelles formes de partage que sont invités tous les citoyens du Canada.

Déjà, en octobre 2003, la CECC avait publié une première lettre sur l’environnement intitulée : « L’impératif écologique chrétien ». Ce texte, de même que celui qui vient d’être publié, est disponible sur le site Web de la CECC. Des copies imprimées peuvent également être obtenues en s’adressant à mchabot [at] cecc [dot] ca.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 12, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=435
Categories: Documents, News • In this article: Canada, Catholic, CCCB, environment Transmis : 12 mars 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=435
Catégorie : Documents, News • Dans cet article : Canada, Catholic, CCCB, environment

March 29 is a Carbon Sabbath

March 29 is a Carbon Sabbath

KAIROS wants you to turn off your lights for an hour at 8 pm on Saturday, March 29!

Why? Because our use of fossil fuels -symbolized here by a light bulb- is contributing to global climate change. In 2007, the people of Sydney, Australia, decided that they could send a powerful message for change by turning off all their lights at the same time. More than 2 million citizens and businesses did so. Now, the World Wildlife Fund is taking Sydney’s history-making moment global by encouraging people, businesses, and communities all over the world to turn off their lights and demand action on climate change.

KAIROS asks you, your church, and your community to join in this global effort as part of your commitment to the Re-Energize: Time For A Carbon Sabbath campaign. Use this time to reflect on your use of fossil fuels and their connections not just to climate change but to human rights and conflict as well. Build community around these issues. Advocate with local and federal governments to change their policies and practices related to fossil fuels.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 21, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=439
Categories: Resources • In this article: Canada, climate change, ecology, environment, events Transmis : 21 mars 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=439
Catégorie : Resources • Dans cet article : Canada, climate change, ecology, environment, events

Prendre un Congé Sabbatique de Carbone

Prendre un Congé Sabbatique de Carbone

Notre dépendance à l`égard de pétrole tue des personnes et la planète… parfois à petit feu par la dégradation progressive de l’air que nous respirons et des écosystèmes dont nous dépendons toutes et tous, et parfois rapidement à la suite des nombreuses violations des droits humains et des conflits liés au contrôle et à l’usage de l’énergie fossile. Y-a-t-il des alternatives?

Oui! KAIROS – initiatives œcuméniques canadiennes pour la justice pense qu’il est temps que nous réexaminions, à titre individuel et comme societé, notre dépendance à l’égard des combustibles fossiles. Joignez-vous à notre campagne d’action Repenser l’énergie : Il Est Temps de Prendre un Congé Sabbatique de Carbone et servez-vous de notre site Internet pour découvrir comment il vous est possible de changer vous-même, de changer votre milieu et d’aider à changer le monde en repensant tous et toutes ensemble de l’énergie!
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 21, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=440
Categories: News • In this article: climate change, ecology, environment, KAIROS Transmis : 21 mars 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=440
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : climate change, ecology, environment, KAIROS

The Integrity of Creation and the Athabasca Oil Sands

Dear faithful of the Diocese of St. Paul, the ecological crisis, described above by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II, is evident in many parts of Canada. Our wasteful consumerist lifestyle, combined with political and industrial short-sightedness and neglect, are damaging our air, land, and water. Personal, social, and political change will be necessary to meet this national challenge.

As the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Paul in north-eastern Alberta, it is my responsibility to provide moral advice and leadership on questions that affect the faithful who live in my diocese. It is therefore impossible for me to ignore the moral problem created by the proposed one hundred and fifty billion dollars oil sands developments in the Municipality of Wood Buffalo because these projects are in “my own backyard,” and have aroused strong ethical criticism. In this pastoral letter I will consider this extraordinary and controversial industrial development from a Catholic perspective.

Whenever I drive to Fort McMurray and enter the city on highway 63, I appreciate reading the prominently displayed motto of the Municipality of Wood Buffalo: “We Have the Energy!” The energy is not only in the sands but is also, as the sign implies, in the very hard working people who live in this northern community. The general public has only recently become conscious of Fort McMurray. They do not know of its history as a trading and shipping center, of its connection to the early fur traders, missionaries, and voyageurs, of its First Nations and Metis communities, of the near fifty year old history of the development of the oil sands industry and the risks the pioneers of this industry undertook. It is not generally known that Suncor and Syncrude in the 1980’s had contingency plans to shut down, padlock, and mothball their plants due to the then very low price of oil, twelve dollars a barrel!
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Jan. 25, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=12028
Categories: Documents, Opinion • In this article: bishops, environment, Luc Bouchard Transmis : 25 janv. 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=12028
Catégorie : Documents, Opinion • Dans cet article : bishops, environment, Luc Bouchard

Bishop warns his flock not to sacrifice creation for oil revenue

In a pastoral letter to the faithful in his diocese, Roman Catholic Bishop Luc Bouchard of St. Paul in Alberta, Canada decried that “the integrity of creation in the Athabasca Oil Sands” – the largest reservoir of crude bitumen in the world and the largest of three major oil sands deposits in Alberta – “is clearly being sacrificed for economic gain.”

… continued
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Feb. 18, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=557
Categories: Documents, News • In this article: bishops, Canada, Catholic, climate change, ecology, environment Transmis : 18 févr. 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=557
Catégorie : Documents, News • Dans cet article : bishops, Canada, Catholic, climate change, ecology, environment

Saskatchewan bishops’ joint pastoral letter on Nuclear Power

Bishops call for Critical Reflection on Uranium Mining and a Proposed Nuclear Power Plant in Saskatchewan

The Bishops of the Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Catholic churches in Saskatchewan call on their members and all Saskatchewan citizens to consider with care the issues surrounding the proposed expansion of the uranium industry in Saskatchewan and make their views known to the Government of Saskatchewan.

The Government of Saskatchewan is exploring “value-added” initiatives to expand the uranium industry in our province, including the possibility of a nuclear power plant being built in Saskatchewan. Bruce Power, the country’s only private nuclear generating company, has deemed an area of Saskatchewan (roughly from Lloydminster to Prince Albert) to be a potentially suitable site for such a development. In March 2009 a government-appointed panel is expected to make recommendations regarding such initiatives. It is critical that any recommendations be made only after full and open consultation with the people of this province.

Christian churches affirm that God created the earth and that God continues to establish and preserve a just and ordered life for all creation. Human beings are part of the vast ecosystem of the planet. Choices made by human beings must respect God’s creation in its careful interrelationship of earth, water, air and all living things. Exploiting the earth’s resources without regard for the consequences is sinful against God and God’s creation, according to Christian belief. Technology and economic development, including mining and power generation, must be subject to critical reflection in light of the impact that such actions have on people and the environment in the present and into the future.

The Bishops recognize the global need for urgent action on climate change and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal-burning power plants in Saskatchewan. They appreciate the intention of the Government in proposing nuclear power to reduce emissions. At the same time, they see the necessity for careful examination of the costs and benefits of a range of energy options and encourage the Government to invite public participation in developing a new energy strategy for Saskatchewan.

The Bishops call on Premier Brad Wall, Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff, Environment Minister Nancy Heppner, Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd, First Nations Minister June Draude, Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Lyle Stewart, and the Government of Saskatchewan to provide adequate opportunities for Saskatchewan citizens to engage in open, informed discussion based on unbiased and complete information before the Government acts on recommendations from the nuclear industry or the government-appointed panel.

+Rodney Andrews, Anglican Bishop of Saskatoon
+Bryan Bayda, CSsR, Ukrainian Eparchial Bishop of Saskatoon
+Cynthia G. Halmarson, Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
+Daniel Bohan, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Regina
+Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Anglican Bishop of Qu’Appelle
+Albert Legatt, Roman Catholic Bishop of Saskatoon
+Albert Thévenot, M. Afr., Roman Catholic Bishop of Prince Albert
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 3, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=561
Categories: Documents • In this article: bishops, church leaders, environment, nuclear industry, Saskatchewan, statements Transmis : 3 mars 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=561
Catégorie : Documents • Dans cet article : bishops, church leaders, environment, nuclear industry, Saskatchewan, statements

KAIROS Week of Action: Connecting Climate Justice and Global Poverty

Beyond the traditional categorization of climate change as an environmental issue, it is clearly also a development issue; a poverty reduction, food security, economics, health, human rights, governance and equality issue. It is a Millennium Development Goal issue. (UN Millennium Campaign)

… continued
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Oct. 9, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=602
Categories: News • In this article: Canada, climate change, development, ecology, environment, KAIROS, poverty Transmis : 9 oct. 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=602
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Canada, climate change, development, ecology, environment, KAIROS, poverty

Green church program aims at environmental awareness

More help is being offered to churches that want to do something about climate change.

The Montreal-based Canadian Centre for Ecumenism has launched the Green Church program to advise churches on ways to reduce their carbon footprint and lower heating bills. Joined with Toronto-based Greening Sacred Spaces, Green Church will offer certification to churches that achieve a high level of environmental awareness and act on it starting in April 2011.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Nov. 25, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=1780
Categories: Catholic Register • In this article: creation, environment Transmis : 25 nov. 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=1780
Catégorie : Catholic Register • Dans cet article : creation, environment

Towards an eco-theology

The accepted axiom is, as the climate changes so the world, too, will change in dramatic and sometimes undesirable ways. What does this often rapid change mean to Christians whose faith is intertwined with the glory and beauty of God’s creation, but challenged when that creation is corrupted and irreversibly altered?
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Mar. 30, 2011 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=1813
Categories: Opinion, WCC News • In this article: climate change, ecology, environment Transmis : 30 mars 2011 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=1813
Catégorie : Opinion, WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, ecology, environment

Can Faith Communities Change the Climate?

Faith communities throughout Canada believe they have a moral responsibility to address global warming. As a result, religious leaders have prepared a Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change. This is among the first times that such a broad interfaith effort at a faith leaders’ letter has been undertaken in Canada.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Oct. 25, 2011 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=1820
Categories: Documents, News • In this article: Canadian Council of Churches, climate change, ecology, environment Transmis : 25 oct. 2011 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=1820
Catégorie : Documents, News • Dans cet article : Canadian Council of Churches, climate change, ecology, environment

Central Themes in Recent Catholic Teaching on the Environment

A new Canadian bishops’ document summarizing themes of recent church teaching on the environment is an urgent cry for action, says Bishop Donald Bolen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. “Recent church teaching and papal statements are clearly telling us that the way we are living is not sustainable,” said Bolen, one of the bishops on the Canadian bishops’ Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, which released the new resource April 8 entitled “Building a New Culture: Central Themes in Recent Church Teaching on the Environment.” “Care of the environment is a growing area of concern for the Church and for all human beings, and in fact the Church has been speaking about this – and in particular, recent popes have been speaking about this – not only with regularity, but with passion,” said Bolen.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Apr. 8, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=3590
Categories: News, Resources • In this article: bishops, Canada, CCCB, creation, ecology, environment, theology Transmis : 8 avril 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=3590
Catégorie : News, Resources • Dans cet article : bishops, Canada, CCCB, creation, ecology, environment, theology

Protecting people means protecting the planet, Cardinal Turkson says

Pride, greed and selfishness are destroying the planet just as they destroy human lives, said Cardinal Peter Turkson. However, with action inspired by good stewardship and solidarity, people can ensure that the Earth is “a nurturing home for every man, woman and child in every country and in every generation,” said the cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Turkson, who oversaw work on a first draft of Pope Francis’ upcoming encyclical on ecology, addressed the general assembly of Caritas Internationalis in Rome May 14. Pope Francis is publishing the encyclical, he said, “not to enter into scientific and financial debates, but to remind the world that our choices are ultimately moral in nature,” including when it comes to safeguarding creation. “This is an all-embracing moral imperative: to protect and care both for creation — our garden home — and for the human person who dwells therein,” the cardinal said. “Without stewardship, the Earth will be less and less habitable,” Turkson said. And without solidarity, “greed and rivalry will wreak ever greater havoc.”
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: May 15, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8320
Categories: CNS • In this article: Catholic, environment, justice, Vatican Transmis : 15 mai 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8320
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : Catholic, environment, justice, Vatican

There is no conflict between our faiths and the science of climate change

On Thursday, Pope Francis issued a powerful and timely encyclical on the environment, urging humanity to come to its senses and cease its reckless onslaught against God’s creation. He addressed this letter not only to his fellow Catholics, but to all people of the world, asking people of different religious traditions to unite in common purpose to save our planet.

As religious figures, we too accept the overwhelming scientific consensus that global warming comes from human activity, as we see no conflict between faith and reason.

And, coming from the three great Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – we stand together on the need to be good stewards of the earth. All of our traditions affirm the inherent goodness of all creation, and the binding obligation on human beings to protect our common home, the planet that sustains us. The Hebrew Scriptures state clearly that the Earth belongs to God alone, and that we are merely sojourners – we do not have ownership on a permanent basis: the fruits of the earth belong to all, including the poor. This ancient teaching is affirmed by both Christianity and Islam. Christians also view the world through a sacramental lenses, believing that the redemption of Christ has in turn redeemed all of creation. And Islam can be thought of as a religion of nature, with 750 verses in the holy Qur’an speaking about our responsibility to the environment and our relationship with all creatures. Islam too recognizes that everything in the heavens and the earth belong to God, and that we are mere trustees and vice-regents.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: June 18, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8597
Categories: Opinion • In this article: climate change, ecology, encyclicals, environment, interfaith, Pope Francis Transmis : 18 juin 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8597
Catégorie : Opinion • Dans cet article : climate change, ecology, encyclicals, environment, interfaith, Pope Francis

All creation sings God’s praise, but people are silencing it, pope says

The earth, which was created to support life and give praise to God, is crying out with pain because human activity is destroying it, Pope Francis says in his long-awaited encyclical, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”

All who believe in God and all people of good will have an obligation to take steps to mitigate climate change, clean the land and the seas, and start treating all of creation — including poor people — with respect and concern, he says in the document released at the Vatican June 18.

• Laudato Si’: Arabic Deutsch English Español Français Italiano Polski Português

… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: June 18, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8611
Categories: CNS • In this article: ecology, encyclicals, environment, Pope Francis Transmis : 18 juin 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8611
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : ecology, encyclicals, environment, Pope Francis

Defining moment: Glossary of terminology used in Laudato Si’

In his brief pontificate, Pope Francis has coined some colourful terms to get his points across, for example, using “bat Christians” to describe those who hide their faith.

While the new phrases he uses in his ecology encyclical are not as punchy, they succinctly help illustrate his points that care for the environment is a human and moral obligation, that global warming and pollution have an unfairly heavy impact on the poor and that a real commitment to ecology will entail individual conversion and changed political and economic priorities.

The following is a list defining some key phrases Pope Francis uses in the encyclical, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: June 19, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8614
Categories: CNS • In this article: ecology, encyclicals, environment, Pope Francis Transmis : 19 juin 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8614
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : ecology, encyclicals, environment, Pope Francis

Pope Francis adds ‘secular Jewish feminist’ Naomi Klein to climate team

If proof were needed that politics really does make odd bedfellows, the sight of progressive Canadian activist Naomi Klein on a Vatican platform with the pope’s personal spokesman on Wednesday, joining forces in the push for stronger environmental protection, probably provides it.

“This is an alliance on a specific issue, not a merger,” said Klein, who defines herself as a secular Jewish feminist.

“No one is being asked to agree on everything, nor do we agree on everything related to climate change,” she said.

Despite that, she said, the secular left and the Catholic Church can still do business based on Laudato Si’, Francis’ encyclical letter on the environment released in June.

The Canadian activist admitted to surprise at being invited to speak at the Vatican, saying it illustrates a “growing understanding” about environmental concerns that has forged surprising and unlikely partnerships, with people otherwise at loggerheads willing to overcome long-standing differences to work together to “save ourselves.”

“We understand that the stakes are so high, time is so short and the task is so large that we cannot afford to allow those differences to divide us,” Klein said on Wednesday.

Klein’s comments came as she participated in the presentation of an upcoming “high-level” conference she will be co-chairing with Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, head of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: July 1, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8607
Categories: News • In this article: ecology, environment, Pope Francis, Vatican Transmis : 1 juil. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8607
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : ecology, environment, Pope Francis, Vatican

Churches to pray for care of creation

Joined in prayer, Christian churches around the world will again observe the ecumenical “Time for Creation” (1 September to 4 October), this year bolstered by Pope Francis’s recent proclamation of 1 September as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.”

The movement toward a yearly commemoration of the biblical mandate to exercise stewardship over God’s creation (Genesis 1:26-28) first took shape following a 1 September 1989 encyclical from the late Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I of Constantinople in which he extended an invitation to “the entire Christian world to offer together with the Mother Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, every year on this date prayers and supplications to the Maker of all, both as thanksgiving for the great gift of creation and as petitions for its protection and salvation.”

The pastoral letter from Dimitrios continued, “At the same time we paternally urge, on the one hand, the faithful in the world to admonish themselves and their children to respect and protect the natural environment and, on the other hand, those who are entrusted with the responsibility of governing the nations to act without delay, taking all necessary measures for the protection and preservation of natural creation.”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and related ecumenical bodies have adopted a “Time for Creation” as an emphasis in the church year, running from the beginning of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical year on 1 September to the feast-day of Saint Francis of Assisi observed by the Roman Catholic Church on 4 October. This initiative arose directly from the Ecumenical Patriarch’s 1989 encyclical.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Aug. 20, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8658
Categories: WCC News • In this article: climate change, creation, ecology, environment, prayer, WCC Transmis : 20 aoüt 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8658
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, creation, ecology, environment, prayer, WCC

Ecumenical Patriarch’s encyclical issues call to dwell in harmony with God’s creation

As part of the observation of the Time for Creation, Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, has once again sent an encyclical to remind churches and people of goodwill about the grave risks deriving from growing abuse of energy resources, threatening to increase global warming and the sustainability of the natural environment.

“We invite everyone to soberness of life, purification of passionate thoughts and selfish motivations, so that we may dwell in harmony with our neighbours and with God’s creation,” said Bartholomew I.

These reflections were shared by the Ecumenical Patriarch on the occasion of the start of a “Time for Creation”, a global event which invokes prayers for creation, eco-justice and peace with the earth. It has been celebrated each year since 1989 from 1 September to 4 October. This year’s event has been promoted by Pope Francis’s recent proclamation of 1 September as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.”

The Time for Creation was affirmed by the WCC Central Committee in 2008 as an invitation “to observe through prayers and action a special time for creation, its care and stewardship.”
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Sept. 1, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8667
Categories: Documents, WCC News • In this article: Bartholomew I, creation, ecology, encyclicals, environment Transmis : 1 sept. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8667
Catégorie : Documents, WCC News • Dans cet article : Bartholomew I, creation, ecology, encyclicals, environment

Conference calls for ecological reformation of Christianity

“An ecological reformation of Christianity is a matter of repentance, conversion, and renewal for all Christian traditions,” reads the “Volos Call,” a statement issued after a meeting of church representatives from different traditions and all continents, held in Greece, between 10-13 March.

Gathering at the Academy of Volos for the international conference on Eco-Theology, Climate Justice and Food Security, participants stressed the concern that “an ecological reformation of Christianity (in all its traditions) is possible, but can remain authentic only if it stays in the Spirit and is expressed in the form of a humble prayer: Veni, Creator Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit, renew your whole creation!”

According to the statement, an ecological reformation of Christianity “implies a twofold critique, namely both a deeper Christian critique of the root causes of ecological destruction and an ecological critique of forms of Christianity which have not recognized the ecological dimensions of the Gospel.”
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Apr. 7, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9131
Categories: Communiqué, WCC News • In this article: creation, ecology, environment, Reformation Transmis : 7 avril 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9131
Catégorie : Communiqué, WCC News • Dans cet article : creation, ecology, environment, Reformation

Catechism will be updated to include ecological sins, pope says

Following through on a proposal made at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, Pope Francis said there are plans to include a definition of ecological sins in the church’s official teaching.

“We should be introducing — we were thinking — in the Catechism of the Catholic Church the sin against ecology, ecological sin against the common home,” he told participants at a conference on criminal justice Nov. 15.

Members of the International Association of Penal Law were in Rome Nov. 13-16 for the conference, which centered on the theme, “Criminal Justice and Corporate Business.”

Pope Francis also denounced the abuse of law and legislation to justify acts of violence and hatred.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Nov. 15, 2019 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10690
Categories: CNS • In this article: catechism, catholic social teaching, environment Transmis : 15 nov. 2019 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10690
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : catechism, catholic social teaching, environment

Global religious leaders, scientists join to release “Faith and Science: An Appeal for COP26”

Global religious leaders and leading scientists issued a joint statement on 4 October calling on the international community to raise their ambition and step up their climate action ahead of COP26.

Almost 40 faith leaders signed the joint appeal, which was presented by Pope Francis.

Signatories included World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, along with representatives from across the Christian denominations, Sunni and Shi’a Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism and Jainism.

The appeal calls for the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible, and to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Oct. 4, 2021 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10908
Categories: Documents, Vatican News, WCC News • In this article: climate change, COP26, environment, interfaith statements, Pope Francis, WCC Transmis : 4 oct. 2021 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10908
Catégorie : Documents, Vatican News, WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, COP26, environment, interfaith statements, Pope Francis, WCC

“Living Planet” statement from WCC 11th Assembly seeks a just and sustainable global community

A statement from the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly, “The Living Planet: seeking a just and sustainable global community,” raises an increasingly urgent voice of concern and demand for action.

“We are all interdependent in God’s whole creation,” notes the statement’s introduction. “We are running out of time.”

We must repent from our continuing human selfishness, the statement urges. “Christ’s love calls us to deep solidarity and a quest for justice for those who have contributed to this emergency the least, yet suffer the most, physically, existentially, and ecologically,” reads the statement.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Sept. 8, 2022 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=12475
Categories: Conferences, WCC News • In this article: climate change, ecology, environment, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 8 sept. 2022 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=12475
Catégorie : Conferences, WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, ecology, environment, WCC, WCC Assembly

Pope calls for the ‘courage’ to ‘abandon fossil fuels’

Pope Francis has told young economists, entrepreneurs and university researchers that the world’s development model must be seriously questioned and reformed without delay.

The pope made his appeal this past Saturday in Assisi before a thousand young adults from around the world who were gathered in Assisi for a three-day meeting titled “The Economy of Francesco”, which explored ways to create sustainable and ecologically viable development.
… Read more » … lire la suite »

Posted: Sept. 26, 2022 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=12525
Categories: La Croix • In this article: economy, environment, Pope Francis Transmis : 26 sept. 2022 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=12525
Catégorie : La Croix • Dans cet article : economy, environment, Pope Francis