LIVING THE CATHOLIC FAITH IN THE 3RD MILLENIUM
A LAYMAN'S LOOK AT THE JOURNEY OF FAITH
Stewardship
CATHOLICISM & THE ENVIRONMENT
The environment has long been a poor stepchild within Christian theology, and the Catholic Church is no exception. This collection compiles many of Commonweal's stories on Catholicism and the environment.
The environment has long been a poor stepchild within Christian theology, and the Catholic Church is no exception. This collection compiles many of Commonweal's stories on Catholicism and the environment.
CLIMATE OF CHANGE; THE CATHOLIC CHURCH'S DANCE WITH SCIENCE
From Galileo to genetics, the Roman Catholic Church has danced with science, sometimes in a high-tension tango but more often in a supportive waltz. Pope Francis is about to introduce a new twist.
From Galileo to genetics, the Roman Catholic Church has danced with science, sometimes in a high-tension tango but more often in a supportive waltz. Pope Francis is about to introduce a new twist.
DOES THE EARTH HAVE A PRAYER?
It is our practices - spiritual and otherwise - that will make a difference in the way we care for creation.
It is our practices - spiritual and otherwise - that will make a difference in the way we care for creation.
FRANCIS' ENCYCLICAL, AN URGENT CALL
In what has already been the most debated papal encyclical letter in recent memory, Francis urgently calls on the entire world's population to act, lest we leave to coming generations a planet of 'debris, desolation and filth.'
In what has already been the most debated papal encyclical letter in recent memory, Francis urgently calls on the entire world's population to act, lest we leave to coming generations a planet of 'debris, desolation and filth.'
FRANCIS' ENCYCLICAL; WHY THE FUSS?
Several of Francis’ predecessors blamed fossil fuels for global warming, accused energy companies of hoarding resources, and urged the rich to consume less. So what’s the big deal this time?
Several of Francis’ predecessors blamed fossil fuels for global warming, accused energy companies of hoarding resources, and urged the rich to consume less. So what’s the big deal this time?
FREE RESOURCE; A READERS' GUIDE TO LAUDATO SI'
Explore Laudato Si', Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, with this complimentary guide from Jesuit Fr. Tom Reese.
Explore Laudato Si', Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, with this complimentary guide from Jesuit Fr. Tom Reese.
HOW COLLEGE CAMPUSES ARE GOING 'GREEN'
At many Catholic colleges, an environmental revolution is under way: Out with the ubiquitous plastic water bottles, the reams of wasted paper, the showers that use a flood of water! In with being eco-friendly!
At many Catholic colleges, an environmental revolution is under way: Out with the ubiquitous plastic water bottles, the reams of wasted paper, the showers that use a flood of water! In with being eco-friendly!
HOW 'LAUDATO SI' EXTENDS CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
When this century draws to a close, people will surely look back on Laudato Si much as we now look back on Rerum Novarum, as a timely clarion call.
When this century draws to a close, people will surely look back on Laudato Si much as we now look back on Rerum Novarum, as a timely clarion call.
I'LL STICK WITH POPE FRANCIS
And while — as Pope Francis notes — the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all, Americans have the largest carbon footprint in the world.
And while — as Pope Francis notes — the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all, Americans have the largest carbon footprint in the world.
PARIS CLIMATE DEAL EXIT 'DEEPLY TROUBLING' TO CATHOLIC LEADERS
'Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.'
'Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.'
PRESIDENT TRUMP IS HARMING WORLD WITH PARIS CLIMATE EXIT, CATHOLIC BISHOPS CLAIM
The United States should not be 'mistaken on climate; there is no plan B because there is no planet B.
The United States should not be 'mistaken on climate; there is no plan B because there is no planet B.
SISTER EARTH. THE 'GREEN' ENCYCLICAL OF POPE FRANCIS
This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.
This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.
THE POPE THINKS CLIMATE CHANGE IS A MAJOR THREAT. SO DO AMERICAN CATHOLICS
He will also personally lobby for climate action in a series of high profile meetings ahead of the all-important UN global warming negotiations in Paris next year.
He will also personally lobby for climate action in a series of high profile meetings ahead of the all-important UN global warming negotiations in Paris next year.
THE POPE, THE SAINT, AND THE CLIMATE
Progressives and Conservatives alike should attend to what motivates Pope Francis here - not the usual left-right politics but a theological concern for our obligation.
Progressives and Conservatives alike should attend to what motivates Pope Francis here - not the usual left-right politics but a theological concern for our obligation.
THE POPE'S ECOLOGICAL VOW
Francis knows that if the consciences of ordinary Catholics can be pricked, they may begin to adjust their life choices. Climate change skeptics may well find that in Francis they have met their most formidable opponent.
Francis knows that if the consciences of ordinary Catholics can be pricked, they may begin to adjust their life choices. Climate change skeptics may well find that in Francis they have met their most formidable opponent.
WHOSE LAND?
Pope Francis has called upon Catholics and all people of good will to care for our common home. But does that call to stewardship run up against American exceptionalism?
Pope Francis has called upon Catholics and all people of good will to care for our common home. But does that call to stewardship run up against American exceptionalism?
WHY AREN'T U.S. BISHOPS MORE VOCAL ON CLIMATE?
If we wish to build true peace, how can we separate, or even set at odds, the protection of the environment and the protection of human life, including the life of the unborn?
If we wish to build true peace, how can we separate, or even set at odds, the protection of the environment and the protection of human life, including the life of the unborn?
WHY IS CLIMATE CHANGE A MORAL ISSUE?
Let’s consider three reasons why caring for the environment is a moral issue and why policies that fail to protect our planet are not only against Catholic teaching but are also immoral.
Let’s consider three reasons why caring for the environment is a moral issue and why policies that fail to protect our planet are not only against Catholic teaching but are also immoral.
SPIRITUALITY FOR MAKING THE GREEN NEW DEAL A REALITY
People who make big things happen don't always believe they are going to be successful all the time. Transitioning out of fossil fuels is going to take all the hope we have, plus some we don't have.
People who make big things happen don't always believe they are going to be successful all the time. Transitioning out of fossil fuels is going to take all the hope we have, plus some we don't have.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE COSMOS
Yes, God so loved the whole blooming, buzzing, evolving, groaning cosmos that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection connects it forever with redeeming promise.
Yes, God so loved the whole blooming, buzzing, evolving, groaning cosmos that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection connects it forever with redeeming promise.
THE WORK OF LOVE IN THE FACE OF DOOM: CHRISTIANITY AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Our ecological crisis has its roots in a shared "cultural and spiritual crisis": we've lost our sense of being-in-relation to the larger web of life.
Our ecological crisis has its roots in a shared "cultural and spiritual crisis": we've lost our sense of being-in-relation to the larger web of life.
WE NEED NEW METHODS TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
Caritas Internationalis is increasingly being called to help with challenges provoked by climate change. “Our food production is at stake.”
Caritas Internationalis is increasingly being called to help with challenges provoked by climate change. “Our food production is at stake.”
20 YEARS FOR GIVING WATER TO MIGRANTS?
A Religious Freedom Case of Little Interest to ‘Religious Freedom’ Industry
A Religious Freedom Case of Little Interest to ‘Religious Freedom’ Industry
WITH THE EARTH IN PERIL, WE MUST ACT ON BEHALF OF GOD'S CREATION
We are still groping for ways to persuade this country's government and religious officialdom to demonstrate bolder leadership on behalf of a natural world that sustains us all.
We are still groping for ways to persuade this country's government and religious officialdom to demonstrate bolder leadership on behalf of a natural world that sustains us all.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LIFE ISSUE TODAY
If we are called to be moral agents guided by a seamless garment approach, then climate change is the body on which such a garment hangs.
If we are called to be moral agents guided by a seamless garment approach, then climate change is the body on which such a garment hangs.
GRETA THUNBERG AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHANGING THE WORLD
When young people talk about changing the world, what they mean is actually more along the lines of healing what they inherit.
When young people talk about changing the world, what they mean is actually more along the lines of healing what they inherit.
THE STATUS QUO WON'T SAVE THE PLANET OR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
A sense of urgency, quite unusual and perhaps unprecedented in degree, hangs over the upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Amazon region.
A sense of urgency, quite unusual and perhaps unprecedented in degree, hangs over the upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Amazon region.
‘WHY CALL IT PROGRESS?’
On what makes Laudato si' a most remarkable, essential document for everyone: the very technocracy laying waste to the Christian legacy will also awaken Christians from their slumber.
On what makes Laudato si' a most remarkable, essential document for everyone: the very technocracy laying waste to the Christian legacy will also awaken Christians from their slumber.
POPE PRAISES CLIMATE ACTIVISM OF THE YOUNG
This is the road to walk on. Today, it is young people who understand with their hearts that the survival of the planet is a fundamental theme.
This is the road to walk on. Today, it is young people who understand with their hearts that the survival of the planet is a fundamental theme.
THE ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EUCHARIST
The Eucharist is not simply a means by which humanity receives the sacramental presence of Christ, it is the privileged place where God is now present to our world as part of that world.
The Eucharist is not simply a means by which humanity receives the sacramental presence of Christ, it is the privileged place where God is now present to our world as part of that world.
A CATHOLIC WORKER DEVOTES HER ENERGY TO ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM
How one activist's faith inspired an act of nonviolent resistance against a power company.
How one activist's faith inspired an act of nonviolent resistance against a power company.
PARDON ME FOR GETTING “RELIGIOUS” ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
There are at least three core principles of my faith that I can’t reconcile with any complacency towards the threats posed by climate change.
There are at least three core principles of my faith that I can’t reconcile with any complacency towards the threats posed by climate change.
THE CRY OF THE EARTH IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THE CRY OF THE POOR
Yeb Saño, a member of the Global Catholic Climate Movement, discusses the urgency of the climate crisis, and how it is rooted in three human characteristics beginning with the letter ‘A’.
Yeb Saño, a member of the Global Catholic Climate Movement, discusses the urgency of the climate crisis, and how it is rooted in three human characteristics beginning with the letter ‘A’.
WHAT WE NEED IS AN 'INTEGRAL ECONOMY'
We are desperately in need of another way of thinking about how we structure "our common home," and the lens through which we order our choices and shape our policies must be shaped by an integral ecology.
We are desperately in need of another way of thinking about how we structure "our common home," and the lens through which we order our choices and shape our policies must be shaped by an integral ecology.
DIGGING INTO LAUDATO SI'
Join EarthBeat on an exploration of Laudato Si' through a social, political and spiritual lens. Three times a week, the series will dive into a new section of the papal document, leading readers through an informal study of the call to care for our common home, five years on.
Join EarthBeat on an exploration of Laudato Si' through a social, political and spiritual lens. Three times a week, the series will dive into a new section of the papal document, leading readers through an informal study of the call to care for our common home, five years on.
ON LAUDATO SI ANNIVERSARY, CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS ALIKE FOCUS ON COMMON GOOD
A message that although coronavirus is not directly linked to climate change, for people of faith, the key to overcoming both challenges lies in prioritizing the common good.
A message that although coronavirus is not directly linked to climate change, for people of faith, the key to overcoming both challenges lies in prioritizing the common good.
OUR COMMON PLANETARY HOME
The pandemic has shown our willingness to make sacrifices—at least to some degree—to protect our fellow humans, but we have not shown that same willingness to make even small changes to protect or heal the earth.
The pandemic has shown our willingness to make sacrifices—at least to some degree—to protect our fellow humans, but we have not shown that same willingness to make even small changes to protect or heal the earth.
LAUDATO SI’: AN ENCYCLICAL TO HELP US LOOK TO THE POST-PANDEMIC FUTURE
A document which represented a major step forward in the Church’s Social Doctrine and is a road map for building more just societies that are capable of safeguarding human life and all Creation.
A document which represented a major step forward in the Church’s Social Doctrine and is a road map for building more just societies that are capable of safeguarding human life and all Creation.
A CATHEDRAL NOT MADE BY HANDS
Entering an old-growth forest is overwhelming. It's a living lesson on the core themes of Laudato Si'. Here we learn how very difficult it is to be attentive.
Entering an old-growth forest is overwhelming. It's a living lesson on the core themes of Laudato Si'. Here we learn how very difficult it is to be attentive.
'LAUDATO TREE': HEALING THE PLANET, EMPOWERING ITS PEOPLE
With the backing of Pope Francis and a gift of 1000 trees from Cardinal Turkson, the ‘Laudato Tree’ initiative to help build the Great Green Wall in the Sahel is a prime example of “ecological conversion in action.”
With the backing of Pope Francis and a gift of 1000 trees from Cardinal Turkson, the ‘Laudato Tree’ initiative to help build the Great Green Wall in the Sahel is a prime example of “ecological conversion in action.”
VATICAN DOCUMENT ON INTEGRAL ECOLOGY: SAFEGUARDING CREATION IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
The Vatican released a document on Thursday that offers a guide to Catholics, and all Christians, regarding our relationship with God’s Creation.
The Vatican released a document on Thursday that offers a guide to Catholics, and all Christians, regarding our relationship with God’s Creation.
LAUDATO SI’: THE ENCYCLICAL FOR OUR TIMES
The timing of the anniversary couldn’t be more fitting for those reflecting on the shape of an economic recovery from COVID-19 that tackles unemployment, rebuilds a resilient economy and addresses climate change.
The timing of the anniversary couldn’t be more fitting for those reflecting on the shape of an economic recovery from COVID-19 that tackles unemployment, rebuilds a resilient economy and addresses climate change.
WHAT IS THE SEASON OF CREATION?
The Season of Creation is a monthlong prayerful observance that calls the planet's 2.2 billion Christians to pray and care for God's creation. It's a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment.
The Season of Creation is a monthlong prayerful observance that calls the planet's 2.2 billion Christians to pray and care for God's creation. It's a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment.
POPE FRANCIS' ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION ON THE WAY TO LAUDATO SI'
The pope's embrace of St. Francis' ecological ethic is part of a long history in the Latin American church.
The pope's embrace of St. Francis' ecological ethic is part of a long history in the Latin American church.
COMPASSION FOR EARTH IS VACCINE AGAINST EPIDEMIC OF INDIFFERENCE
The current pandemic, Pope Francis said, has shown that the health of men and women "cannot be separated from that of the environment in which they live." He added, "It is also clear that climate change not only upsets the balance of nature, but also causes poverty and hunger..."
The current pandemic, Pope Francis said, has shown that the health of men and women "cannot be separated from that of the environment in which they live." He added, "It is also clear that climate change not only upsets the balance of nature, but also causes poverty and hunger..."
HEALTH OF HUMANITY CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM THAT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
On Saturday morning, 12 September, the Holy Father received in audience a delegation of the Laudato Si communities, which work to put into practice the values of his encyclical Laudato Si’. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s discource.
On Saturday morning, 12 September, the Holy Father received in audience a delegation of the Laudato Si communities, which work to put into practice the values of his encyclical Laudato Si’. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s discource.
[DOROTHY] DAY’S LIFE SETS EXAMPLE FOR TODAY’S SIMILARLY TROUBLED TIMES
What compelled Dorothy Day is that she felt lost and lonely. The faith and reflective practices in her community began to nurture how she and her community could frame a life together.
What compelled Dorothy Day is that she felt lost and lonely. The faith and reflective practices in her community began to nurture how she and her community could frame a life together.
POLL FINDS MAJORITY OF CATHOLICS HOLD SOME CONCERN ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
A large majority of Catholic voters believe climate change is a serious or somewhat serious concern and that governments at all levels as well as corporations and individuals must take stronger action to address it.
A large majority of Catholic voters believe climate change is a serious or somewhat serious concern and that governments at all levels as well as corporations and individuals must take stronger action to address it.
BEYOND GROWTH
The scientific consensus on what must be done to avoid a climate catastrophe is nearly unanimous: a swift, planetary shift to renewable energy sources. Ecological sustainability faces real and powerful enemies, and those enemies have no incentive right now to change course.
The scientific consensus on what must be done to avoid a climate catastrophe is nearly unanimous: a swift, planetary shift to renewable energy sources. Ecological sustainability faces real and powerful enemies, and those enemies have no incentive right now to change course.
GLOBAL CATHOLIC CLIMATE MOVEMENT
Global Catholic Climate Movement works within the Catholic Church to better care for our common home. Their founding document is Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and ecology, Laudato Si’.
Global Catholic Climate Movement works within the Catholic Church to better care for our common home. Their founding document is Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and ecology, Laudato Si’.
HOW A YOUNG ACTIVIST IS HELPING POPE FRANCIS BATTLE CLIMATE CHANGE
The young American climate activist Molly Burhans, known at the Vatican as the Map Lady, is on a mission to document the Catholic church’s nearly 200 million acres of global landholdings — and mobilize the Church as a global environmentalist force.
The young American climate activist Molly Burhans, known at the Vatican as the Map Lady, is on a mission to document the Catholic church’s nearly 200 million acres of global landholdings — and mobilize the Church as a global environmentalist force.
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