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"Eating is a Moral Act"
Michigan
Catholic Rural Life Coalition (MCRLC)
Alma, MI
The MCRLC is a grassroots group consisting of
a diverse membership of nuns, priests, farmers,
educators, lay persons (Catholic and non-Catholic)
that serves as a resource around rural and environmental
issues for the Catholic Dioceses of Michigan.
The MCRLC seeks to understand, educate about,
and model a sustainable food system that cares
for rather than exploits the resources of people
and the earth.
The MCRLC’s most popular presentation,
“Eating is a Moral Act,” uses a video,
fresh food, and grocery store items to highlight
the “long chain of events between the field
and the fork,” and to encourage participants
to consider where their food comes from and how
it interconnects with social and environmental
issues. This presentation seeks to enlighten participants
regarding such questions as: How is our food produced?
How are the workers treated? Are the animals viewed
as God's creatures? Is the soil, water, and air
cared for in the spirit of stewardship? Is the
work of the farmer valued by our society and economy?
Does the rapidly disappearing rural landscape
concern you? Participants are made aware of the
complex web of life that connects them to each
other, the earth, and God; all through food.
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The presentation provides an ongoing educational
service for Catholic congregations and other organizations
in Michigan regarding relevant environmental issues
and the official positions of the church. Individuals
emerge with a new view of food: “It is not
just something we need when hungry, but a statement
of our beliefs. The way we spend our money and
participate in the economy represents the values
which we hold important.”
In addition to the educational resources and
presentations, such as “Eating is a Moral
Act,” MCRLC also encourages environmental
awareness in areas such as worship and service,
and seeks to support the sometimes difficult lifestyle
changes that are necessary to bring about social
and environmental justice.
Contact person: Paul Stankewitz, Director, at
director@michigancatholicrurallife.org
or
989-466-9322
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