Care for God's Creation

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops when speaking of the principle of care for God's creation state:

“We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.” 

In his encyclical letter “Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home,” Pope Francis addresses the issue of pollution and climate change.  He speaks of the social and moral responsibility we have as faithful Catholics to care for our planet created in all of its beauty by our loving God.  

On a social level we are called to examine our throw-away and consumer culture.  How do our actions on an individual and societal level impact the natural world, God’s creation?  Climate change has the greatest impact on the poor of the world.  We have a moral responsibility to care for the poor and it starts with the choices we make taking into consideration the impact on the planet.

How do we address the issue of climate change on a parish level?  Reading Laudato Si’ and watching this Caritas YouTube attached video is a start.