The Inheritance Project

Florida Catholic Conference

Water quality and sustainability are critical concerns facing Florida residents, but the Florida Catholic Conference has undertaken more than education efforts to motivate responsible and just stewardship of this precious resource. With help from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese established the “Inheritance Project,” marking a turning point from previous efforts; what had been an educational campaign began to incorporate legislative advocacy and coalition building as well.

In June 2001, the Florida Catholic Conference, in partnership with the Diocese of Orlando, was awarded a two-year grant by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Through a statewide environmental justice committee made up of representatives from each of Florida's seven dioceses and the Florida Catholic Conference, the Inheritance Project is designed to educate the Catholic community regarding environment issues surrounding water degradation in Florida aquifers and ecosystem, build a Catholic constituency for environmental justice, create a statewide Catholic network to develop a legislative strategy on water and other environmental concerns, and host diocesan and statewide gatherings on environmental issues specifically addressing growth and water management. A state project coordinator with the Environmental Justice Committee has helped conduct workshops, form diocesan and/or deanery task forces, and establish relationships with various groups and agencies that address water concerns and water management.

An Environmental Justice Committee was formed to explore the problems surrounding Florida’s water supply, and educate Catholics and others about possible solutions. The key to success in Florida has been the ability of all seven Florida dioceses to be a catalyst for dialogue among various stakeholders in the debate around water resources. They developed a broad coalition of Catholics, government officials, water experts, secular and faith-based environmental advocacy groups as well as young adults.