Bishops’ Meeting: Bishops approve mandate for ecology arm

Sydney
8 June 2003

Bishops’ Meeting: Bishops approve mandate for ecology arm - Catholic Earthcare Australia

The Church’s advocacy on environmental matters, including the safeguarding of the integrity ofcreation, environmental justice and ecologicalsustainability has taken another step forward with the bishops approving the mandate for Catholic Earthcare Australia.

Catholic Earthcare Australia was inspired by the words of Pope John Paul II during a general audience on January 17, 2001, when he lamented the state of the environmental health of planet Earth.

The Pope called for a commitment to avoid ecological catastrophe and said “it is necessary, therefore, to stimulate and sustain the ecological conversion”.

Catholic Earthcare Australia shares the Pope’s vision of a world where we will:

• Stimulate and sustain the ecological conversion.

• Respect the central role of humankind in safeguarding creation and to work towards making the life of allcreatures more dignified.

• Protect the goodness of life in all manifestations, especially human life.

• Work for a sustainable ecology for present and future generations.

• Discover the voice of the Creator transmitted in thenatural world and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• Celebrate the whole community of life.

• Strive for sustainable development that seeks toovercome poverty and injustice.

• Prepare an environment for future generations that is closer to the plan of the Creator.

The Bishops’ Conference approved the mandate for Catholic Earthcare to act as an advisory agency to the Bishops’ Committee for Justice, Development, Ecology and Peace on ecological matters.

Its tasks will include carrying out research, from theperspective of scripture and the Church’s environmental and social justice teachings as well as developing national networks with like-minded groups in the broadercommunity.

Catholic Earthcare will also undertake advocacy by encouraging reverence for creation, a responsible stewardship of Earth s natural resources and providing a voice for the victims of pollution, environmental degradation and injustice.

A key function will be to provide educational materials and services to Catholic schools, organisations, congregations and parishes.