Catholic Coalition on Climate Change 7/30/09 Update

Pope Links Peace with Protecting the Planet
July 29, ‘09 Update

Peace & Environment Theme for Pope Benedict’s 2010 World Day of Peace
“If you want to cultivate peace, protect the creation” is the theme chosen by Benedict XVI for his Message for the 43rd World Day of Peace celebrated January 1, 2010. “The theme,” says a  communique made public today, “aims to raise awareness about the strong bond that exists in our globalised and interconnected world between protecting the creation and cultivating peace.” It continues, “This close and intimate tie is further accentuated by the many problems concerning man’s natural environment, such as the use of resources, climate change, the application and use of biotechnology, and demographic growth.”   Read more.

Diocese of San Jose Embraces Catholic Social Teaching of Care for Creation
In February 2009, San Jose Bishop Patrick McGrath launched the Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara County, an effort involving the diocese, Catholic Charities, Santa Clara University and the Presentation Retreat and Conference Center.   Thus far:

  • A town hall meeting gathered 100 leaders committed “to action determined by the collective voice of this group.”
  • Santa Clara University students are creating educational materials for diocesan use and will undertake a greenhouse gas inventory of the diocese. The university conducted a greenhouse gas emissions analysis for Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services.
  • The diocese is promoting energy and water conservation, solar-powered parishes. Five San Jose parishes are participating in the diocese’s solar energy initiative.   Read more.

Climate Change Legislative Update: Call Your Senators
We urge you to continue to write e-mails and make phone calls to your Senators urging them to increase funding for international adaptation for least developed countries suffering the impacts of climate change to 3.5% with a faster ramp up in the early years of the implementation of climate change legislation–the same messsage to your Senators as found in this action alert.  

What is the Catholic community saying about the health care debate? 
To find out, we encourage you to check some of our partner websites.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Catholic Health Association of the United States
Catholic Charities USA

Send Your Stories
Tell us what your parish is doing for the St. Francis Pledge here.

Promote the Catholic Climate Covenant– do one of the following:

  • Link to the website and share this website among your social networks, colleagues, and friends.
  • The Catholic Climate Covenant is also on Facebook.  Post it on your Facebook page.
  • Forward this email to your friends and ask them to sign up here or go to our tell-a-friend page now.