Category: Environment

8th May 2025, 7-9pm: A Celebration of Laudato Si’ evening with Austen Ivereigh

The Northern Dioceses Environment Group and the Southern Dioceses Environment Network are combining to present this evening of celebration for the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’ – On the Care of Our Common Home on Thursday 8th May 2025 online from 7.00-9.00pm.

Our speaker and facilitator for the event is journalist and papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, who will help us to reflect on where we have come in the last ten years and what we are being called to do in the next ten.

As we also remember, mourn and celebrate the life of Pope Francis, the evening will have a synodal style so come ready to participate, listen and share as a full and valued contributor whether this is your first NDEG/SDEN meeting or whether you are a veteran of many previous gatherings! All are welcome.

The publication of the papal encyclical, Laudato Si‘, in 2015 galvanised Catholics around the world and in every country to unite with those of all other faiths and none in the common cause of caring for our home planet and all the people on it. Pope Francis urged us to integrate questions of justice into our debates on the environment, ‘so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’ – for they are one and the same thing. (LS, 49)

Both the Northern and Southern environment groups grew out of a desire to put the teaching of the encyclical into practice. We invite you to join us as we celebrate all that has been accomplished through so far through the promulgation of this encyclical and all that is yet to be.

Register with Eventbrite

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

A Reflection on ‘Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves’ – Faith for the Climate Eco-Summit

MTO Zendeh Delan ensemble. Photo by Jon Chew

Source: Faith for the Climate

Interim communications officer, Jon Chew, reflects on the recent multi-faith eco-summit on 23 February, 2025.

Colette Joyce (Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator and Trustee of Faith for the Climate) and Fr Dominic Robinson SJ (Justice and Peace Chair) were in attendance on behalf of the Diocese.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.” – Jalaluddin Rumi

Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, trustee of Faith for the Climate. Photo by Jon Chew

As Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, a trustee of Faith for the Climate, led us in ‘Hinei Ma Tov’ – a Jewish hymn sung at Shabbat feasts – I was reminded of the field the Sufi poet Rumi speaks of. While evocative, this translation by Coleman Barks has been accused of de-Islamifying Rumi a bit too much. 

There is another translation by the British scholar A.J. Arberry that is closer to the original meaning of the Persian: 

“Beyond Islam and unbelief there is a ‘desert plain.’ For us, there is a ‘passion’ in the midst of that expanse. The knower [of God] who reaches there will prostrate [in prayer], (for) there is neither Islam nor unbelief, nor any ‘where’ (in) that place.”

In this rendering, the middle ground between belief and unbelief feels like a blank canvas, a place that may be too scary for some to enter. But here, a worshipper of God finds a unique passion, where your heart and devotion to truth and healing fills the expanse. A passion that is no less devoted, that causes us to prostrate in prayer, but maybe, a place where fellow pilgrims are feasting with each other. A place where we are bound not by the ferocity of our arguments, but by our need to find kinship.

Hinei mah tov umah na’im / Shevet achim gam yachad. Behold how good and pleasing it is, for people to sit together in unity.

An act of gathering can be a provocation for our times, because these are the times we live in. On February 23, around 150 of us spent an afternoon at Friends House in London for our ‘Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves’ summit. Co-organised with Christian Climate Action and Quakers in Britain, we came together in The Light Auditorium, where a vaulted roof stretched with holy hands to the skylight above, almost in recognition that the sacred provides safety for the extra-ordinary. 

Event attendees gathering inside The Light Auditorium. Photo by Jon Chew

The word “inter” kept springing to mind, the original word in Latin meaning “in between”… continue reading on Faith for the Climate website

17 February 2025 Southern Dioceses Environment Network Meeting: with Bishop John Arnold, Salford

Now in its fifth year, this monthly Zoom meeting is a valuable space for sharing and learning about the many significant initiatives across the Southern Dioceses focused on our care for creation. It also serves as a source of support as we navigate various challenges together. This month’s meeting was a review of the past year, reflecting on the inspiring talks we’ve had. All of these sessions are available for viewing on the current page:

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

February’s (2025) meeting opened with a prayer from Bishop John Arnold and a short interview where he shared his joys and frustrations. He expressed great encouragement from the work done in schools and at the Salford Laudato Si’ Centre but also voiced concerns about global progress. He emphasised the importance of hope and the commitment to doing what we can as individuals.

To stimulate discussion, John Paul from Journey 2030 and Maureen, a parishioner from Portsmouth Diocese, shared practical and spiritual reflections, along with resources for action linked to the Jubilee Year and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of Creation. They also posed an important question: how might we continue our journey beyond this Jubilee year, looking ahead to Jubilee 2033?

These open meetings provide a valuable space for diocesan staff, charities, and parish supporters to unite in small groups, fostering collaboration and generating ideas for future meetings. This format offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed, exchange ideas, and support one another in our shared mission.

We are always looking to welcome new voices and hear about the progress in caring for our common home. Please join us on the second Monday of each month!

Additionally, a sister group with the Northern Dioceses is actively collaborating, and we are planning a special event to mark 10 years of Laudato Si’ Week, featuring Austin Ivereigh as a keynote speaker. Keep a look out for further information!

With blessings from the Southern Dioceses,

Arundel and Brighton, Brentwood, Clifton, East Anglia, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Southwark and Westminster.

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

29 May 2025, 11am-4.00pm: Justice & Peace Westminster Way Pilgrimage for the Holy Year

Westminster Justice and Peace is one of many diocesan groups who will be walking the Westminster Way to celebrate the Jubilee this year.

Date and Time: Thursday, 29 May 2025,11:00am – 4:00pm

Starting Location: Roman Catholic Church of the English Martyrs, 30 Prescot Street, London, E1 8BB

One of our diocesan initiatives is to invite us to travel in the steps of the martyrs and saints, who are ‘Beacons of Hope’ along our pilgrimage, respecting the unique role of Westminster Diocese as a locality in the life of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. This Westminster Way explores the following expressions of sainthood: – Martyr – Missionary – Servant – Scholar – Prophet They lend themselves to discovery along each stage.

Join Colette Joyce and Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, together with other people who work for peace and justice from around the Diocese, at English Martyrs Catholic Church, Tower Hill, as we walk the pilgrimage route to Westminster Cathedral.

As it is Laudato Si’ Week, we will also be celebrating the fauna and flora of London as we go along!

Wear good walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.

The walk is on level ground but is not suitable for those with mobility issues. If you would like to participate but are unable to walk the full distance, you are most welcome to join us at the stopping points along the way. Register with Eventbrite and get in touch with the Co-ordinator, Colette Joyce 07593434905 to plan your involvement.

Register here

Diocese of Westminster Pilgrim Passport

23 February 2025, Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves. Multi-Faith Summit at Friends House

Join us for an afternoon of panel discussions and workshops, spiritual connection, music, dance and poetry, creative work, and stalls showcasing the work that faiths are doing for the planet. Hosted by Faith for the Climate, Christian Climate Action and Quakers in Britain.

The event is free, and the venue is accessible for wheelchair users and people with other mobility issues. If there will be other barriers to you joining us (e.g. travel costs or travel schedules for your journey or being responsible for children), please email mobilise@faithfortheclimate.org.uk.

We want to learn so that we can improve the events that we organise. If you could please answer the monitoring questions when you sign-up that would be really appreciated!

Breakouts

There will be an opportunity to choose from 4 breakout sessions to take part in:

1) Healing Ourselves During Challenging Times (a series of activities you can do at your own pace) – nurturing your existing spiritual resources and learning from other traditions.

2) Bridging the Divide: How Faiths Can Come Together (panel and discussion) – building new, and refreshing existing, faith connections.

3) Starting With Our Local Environment (panel and discussion) – hear from groups already taking local action about their projects and how faith values connect with this.

4) National and International campaigns (panel and discussion) – learning about campaigns that are focused on justice-based action on climate.

You will be able to indicate which stream you would like to take part in when you register.

Agenda

12:30 – 13:30 Registration and stalls

13:30 – 14:00 Welcome, housekeeping and opening

14:00 – 14:45 Plenary

14:45 – 15:05 Break

15:05 – 16:35 Breakout streams

16:35 – 16:55 Break

16:55 – 17:15 Regrouping

17:15 – 18:00 Performance and closing

Link

Faith for the Climate

23 February 2025, Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves. Multi-Faith Summit at Friends House

Join us for an afternoon of panel discussions and workshops, spiritual connection, music, dance and poetry, creative work, and stalls showcasing the work that faiths are doing for the planet. Hosted by Faith for the Climate, Christian Climate Action and Quakers in Britain.

The event is free, and the venue is accessible for wheelchair users and people with other mobility issues. If there will be other barriers to you joining us (e.g. travel costs or travel schedules for your journey or being responsible for children), please email mobilise@faithfortheclimate.org.uk.

We want to learn so that we can improve the events that we organise. If you could please answer the monitoring questions when you sign-up that would be really appreciated!

Breakouts

There will be an opportunity to choose from 4 breakout sessions to take part in:

1) Healing Ourselves During Challenging Times (a series of activities you can do at your own pace) – nurturing your existing spiritual resources and learning from other traditions.

2) Bridging the Divide: How Faiths Can Come Together (panel and discussion) – building new, and refreshing existing, faith connections.

3) Starting With Our Local Environment (panel and discussion) – hear from groups already taking local action about their projects and how faith values connect with this.

4) National and International campaigns (panel and discussion) – learning about campaigns that are focused on justice-based action on climate.

You will be able to indicate which stream you would like to take part in when you register.

Agenda

12:30 – 13:30 Registration and stalls

13:30 – 14:00 Welcome, housekeeping and opening

14:00 – 14:45 Plenary

14:45 – 15:05 Break

15:05 – 16:35 Breakout streams

16:35 – 16:55 Break

16:55 – 17:15 Regrouping

17:15 – 18:00 Performance and closing

Link

Faith for the Climate

COP29 – Faith Groups march in London

Faith representatives outside British Museum before the start of the march. Photo: ICN

Source: Jo Siedlecka, ICN

Faith groups were among thousands of climate justice campaigners who marched peacefully through central London on Saturday 16 November 2024, accompanied by colourful banners, chanting and drumming. They lobbied the UK government and world leaders to work towards climate justice, and to do it urgently. They included representatives of Christian Climate Action, Green Christian, Laudato Si Movement, Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team, Columban Sisters, Faithful Companion of Jesus Sisters, Quakers in Britain and Faith for the Climate Network.

The march was part of an annual Global Day of Action for Climate Justice which always takes place midway through the annual international United Nations Climate Conference, which this year is in Baku, Azerbaijan 11- 22 November. Other marches lobbied COP29 in 25 places across Britain, including Brighton, Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow.

The London march – organised by more than 60 groups – started at the British Museum, which has a £50 million partnership with the oil company BP. Speakers argued that the fossil fuel industry has no place in the arts. And the route was via the HQ of Azerbaijani oil company SOCAR, co-owner of the BTC pipeline with BP, which supplies nearly 30% of Israel’s oil.

At its end in Downing Street, a rally called for the UK government to end its reliance on fossil fuels and to commit to paying climate reparations…

Continue reading on Independent Catholic News

New Finance Agreement needed at COP29 say Catholic and Anglican Bishops

Source: CAFOD

Fossil fuel companies should be taxed more to provide funds for countries on the frontline of the climate crisis, Anglican and Catholic bishops have told ministers.

In a letter to the government, the Rt Rev Graham Usher for the Church of England and Rt Rev John Arnold for the Catholic Church in England and Wales called for higher taxes on major polluters. The pair are lead bishops for environmental affairs in their respective churches.

The letter comes ahead of the start of the COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan next week. Proposals to tax large polluters are expected to be included in negotiations at the summit on how to fill gaps in funding for developing countries hardest hit by the climate emergency – known as ‘international climate finance’.

Poorest communities ‘paying impossible price’ for climate crisis

Bishops Usher and Arnold argue in the letter that the funding gap means climate-vulnerable countries are “being forced to pay an impossible price for measures to protect their communities and rebuild from climate disasters”.

“The fact that those who have contributed least to causing the climate crisis, face an unaffordable bill for its impacts is an injustice we cannot tolerate as a country.

“We urge you to ensure your government plays the strongest possible role in remedying this injustice.”

Tax those ‘profiting from environmental damage’

Taxing polluting activities undertaken by the wealthiest companies and individuals would raise funds from those who are “profiting from environmental damage” and “help to incentivise the transition to renewables”, the bishops state.

The bishops also warn ministers that leaders at COP29 must agree to provide more climate finance as grants, arguing that loans will only “add to low-income countries’ existing and crippling debts”.

Providing further sources of finance by cancelling debts for countries facing a debt crisis would prevent such countries facing a “choice between paying huge interest bills to overseas lenders and paying to protect their communities from the climate crisis”, the bishops argue.

COP29 began in Baku, Azerbaijan on 11 November, and is due to finish on 22 November.

For background and information, see: CAFOD’s latest report on Climate Finance solutions (May 2024)

CAFOD Campaign News: Why is COP29 Important?

CAFOD Action: Email the Climate Secretary

Faith leaders urge David Lammy to show leadership on climate

Faith leaders hold vigil outside Foreign Office, calling on government to show leadership on climate justice

Source: Quakers in Britain

At a vigil outside the Foreign Office on Tuesday, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, and Buddhist representatives handed in a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Catholic signatories included Bishop John Arnold (Salford), spokesman on the environment for the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, and Colette Joyce, the Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator.

The letter asks the foreign secretary to take the initiative at upcoming COP29 by contributing new funding to the International Loss and Damage Fund.

It’s time for the UK – and its wealthiest polluters – to pay our fair share- faith leaders

It must do this in the form of grants not loans and by taxing pollution and wealth, rather than repurposing official development assistance, the letter, co-ordinated by Quakers in Britain and the Faith for the Climate network, says.

The 21 signatories call on the UK government to champion a new “collective quantified goal” for climate finance for developing countries, including sufficient funding to respond to loss and damage.

“Our call to Make Polluters Pay is partly about our history,” the letter says. “When we factor in Britain’s colonial past, the UK is the fourth largest contributor to climate change.”

It is also about our present, faith leaders including Paul Parker, recording clerk of Quakers in Britain, write.

Two fossil fuel giants, Shell and BP, are based here, enjoying record-breaking profits.

“Meanwhile, many British households are struggling to heat their homes. At the same time, communities all around the world are being devastated by extreme weather events, such as flooding, super storms and forest fires.

“These inequalities need to be redressed, to acknowledge the intrinsic value of every living being on our precious and finite earth.”

The faith leaders conclude, “It’s time for the UK – and its wealthiest polluters – to pay our fair share.”

Read the full letter here

Southern Dioceses Environment Network Report

 Dr Timothy Howles, the Associate director Laudato Si’ Research Institute (LRSI) at Campion Hall, Oxford, addressed the most recent meeting of the Southern Dioceses Environment Network on 14 October 2024.

Tim told us that the LRSI is a Catholic institute, set up by the Jesuits, but he is an ordained Anglican priest, and happy to be working in this project in an ecumenical way.

His slides covered the integral ecology paradigm which is increasingly used in Higher Education but with the theological basis found in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’.

Laudato Si’ stresses the need for an ecological conversion for all of us (LS 217) and invites us to care for those who are on the margins (LS62). Scientists are frustrated that their data is being ignored so as Prof Chris Rapley says, “We have to change who people are, we have to give them epiphanies”.

LS25 focuses on the idea of interconnectedness, that “we ourselves are part of nature,” and so have responsibility for the delicate equilibria of the world.

The Institute produces resources and books such “Faith-based participation in natural resource governance”, “Integral ecology approaches to the new science of gene drives”, “Endangered languages in North East India”.

They also host talks such as the upcoming lecture by Dr Vijay d’Souza SJ, who will be in Oxford for a lecture on 13 November, 5.30 – 6.30pm, which is both in-person and on livestream.

Future Meetings

Next month, we are pleased to welcome back Dr Emma Gardner, Head of Environment for the Diocese of Salford, who will tell us a little more about the work she does at the Laudato Si’ Centre, the beautiful project at Wardley Hall, near Manchester. For more details visits:

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

Second Monday of every month, except April and August.

Monday, 11 November, 12.45-2.00pm – Salford Diocese: Dr Emma Gardner
Monday, 9 December, 12.45-2.00pm – Advent Reflection & Xmas Fun
Monday, 14 January, 12.45-2.00pm – Feedback from COP29

Link

Laudato Si Research Institute

To contact Dr Timothy Howles: timothy.howles@campion.ox.ac.uk