Florida Catholic Conference
Issues Commentary on "Cultivating Care For All Creation"
 

Tallahassee – “Cultivating Care For All Creation”, a commentary by the Environmental Justice Committee of the Florida Catholic Conference, has been published to call Catholics to embrace the seventh principle of Catholic Social Teaching. An accompanying Action Guide for Parishes and Parishioners outlines specific action to help the faithful become active stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them including simple living, education, conservation and advocacy . Ecologist Deron E. Lawrence of Tallahassee, Florida, along with other consultants, participated in the development of the commentary.

Fifteen years ago, the Bishops of Florida issued a statement, “Companions in Creation,” to urge individuals and families to “recycle, reuse and reduce”, recognizing our responsibility to make decisions that will support life by sustaining the environment. The new commentary focuses on two pressing problems of our time: global climate change and mercury contamination.  “Given our responsibility as stewards of the earth, we must work to promote policies that preserve the environment for future generations, keeping in mind the common good, “ said Sheila Hopkins, Associate for Social Concerns and Respect Life for the Florida Catholic Conference.

"This commentary comes at an opportune time", said Hopkins, noting that the Bishops of Florida in collaboration with the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change have approved a convening.  The convening, to take place in early 2007, will bring together theologians, scientists, and Catholic leaders in business, agriculture, tourism, labor, and social ministry to better understand the issue of climate change and what the response of the faithful should be based on Catholic Church teaching and tradition.

> Click here to view "Cultivating Care for All Creation" and the Action Guide for Parishes and Parishioners