At the end of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ statement on the environment, “- “We ask scientists, environmentalists, economists, and other experts to continue to help us understand the challenges we face and the steps we need to take. Faith is not a substitute for facts; the more we know about the problems we face, the better we can respond...
- “We ask business leaders and representatives of workers to make the protection of our common environment a central concern in their activities and to collaborate for the common good and the protection of the earth...
- “We ask environmental advocates to join us in building bridges between the quest for justice and the pursuit of peace and concern for the earth. We ask that the poor and vulnerable at home and abroad be accorded a special and urgent priority in all efforts to care for our environment...
- “We urge policy makers and public officials to focus more directly on the ethical dimensions of environmental policy and on its relation to development, to seek the common good, and to resist short-term pressures in order to meet our long-term responsibility to future generations.”
Collaboration between professionals and a faith group on environmental concerns is illustrated by the regional climate change hearings held by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change. These hearings included scientists, business leaders, and government officials alongside theologians and environmental advocates, presenting various perspectives on the impacts of climate change locally, as well as suggestions for action. The Coalition has posted contributions from a wide array of professionals on its website.
Whether or not you yourself are a member of a community of faith, it is in this spirit of collaboration that we invite you to learn more and to participate in strengthening environmental awareness and action in and by religious communities at all levels.
- Learn what religious communities have been saying and doing in your area of expertise or concern.
- Become involved in religious environmental education programs in congregations or schools.
- Explore and participate in the interdisciplinary scholarship efforts that have been undertaken by the Partnership and others:
- Reach out to religious communities with the guidance of resources produced by the Biodiversity Project.
