Resources for Taking Action: On Caring for God's Creation (2015)

Resources for Taking Action: On Caring for God's Creation

The Catholic community is called to apply its faith and social teaching to protect creation and defend the most vulnerable from environmental harm. Parishes, dioceses, and Catholic organizations are urged to foster civil, constructive dialogue about climate, consumption, pollution, and land stewardship, with special attention to how environmental burdens fall heaviest on the poor and unborn. Practical resources and programs exist to educate and mobilize Catholics for prayer, personal change, community action, and public advocacy.

Moral framework

• Human dignity and the common good: Environmental action flows from protecting the life and dignity of every person, especially the poor, unborn, and marginalized.
• Stewardship: Caring for creation is a central expression of Catholic discipleship and social teaching.
• Solidarity: Responses must link concern for the environment with concern for justice, poverty alleviation, and human flourishing.

Local actions for parishes and communities

• Foster parish conversations and educational programs using USCCB resources and Renewing the Earth materials.
• Promote and join local efforts to improve public transportation, reduce emissions, and support sustainable community planning.
• Organize or participate in Earth Day and other parish events to raise awareness and build local momentum.
• Monitor state legislation on climate, energy, and emissions and advocate for protections that avoid disproportionate burdens on low-income families.

National advocacy priorities

• Ask Congress to adopt climate policies that: (a) protect low-income communities, (b) provide transition assistance for displaced workers, and (c) promote renewable and clean energy plus technology transfer and technical assistance to developing countries.
• Support federal funding for education, research, and implementation of pollution-reduction standards.
• Write to senators and representatives urging just, equitable national climate action consistent with Catholic teachings.

Organized Catholic Initiatives

• Use USCCB Environmental Justice Program materials and the Catholic Climate Covenant as organizing and educational tools.
• Encourage participation in the St. Francis Pledge and Catholic Climate Covenant for coordinated parish and individual commitments.

The Saint Francis pledge

I/We pledge to:

• Pray about care for creation and concern for the poor.
• Learn the causes and moral dimensions of climate change.
• Assess personal and institutional contributions to climate change.
• Act to reduce harmful impacts through lifestyle and institutional choices.
• Advocate for Catholic principles in climate policy, especially protections for the poor and vulnerable.

ecology-resource-taking-action.pdf