Here’s the SHORT TAKE of a local community meeting I attended.

Date: 13 June 2023  Place: Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 55 West 15^th Street, New York NY 10011

Saint Francis Xavier is a Laudato Si Parish inviting representatives from other parishes and congregations to join in the Laudato Si movement, and/or share initiatives in which they are engaged that address global warming.  See:   Who we are – Laudato Si’ Movement (laudatosimovement.org)

Presenters:

Dr. Lorna Gold, a member of the Laudato Si Board of Directors, and Board Members of FaithInvest – an international, not-for-profit network of religious groups and faith-based institutional investors, with particular attention to organizations in a healthy relationship to the environment.    Network of values-driven, faith-consistent investors | www.faithinvest.org

Dr. Martin G. Palmer, co-founder and C.E.O, of FaithInvest, an outgrowth of Great Britain’s now-defunct Alliance of Religions and Conservation. Palmer is a theologian, Sinologist, author, and international specialist on all major faiths and religious traditions and cultures.

The Short Take:

• 85 % of the World’s Population is faith-based. Faith organizations are primed for Environmental Action.

• 2023: 1,000 Catholic organizations have adopted Laudato Si initiatives in their education work

• Religious Organizations are the 5^th Largest Group in the World – investing in Eco-Friendly businesses will make a tremendous impact.
• • Divesting in Fossil Fuel Companies is essential. However, selling off stock that others purchase continues to perpetuate the problem. Religious Leaders must work with Government Agencies to create Non-proliferation Treaties.
  • Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility: ICCR (Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility) | Inspired by faith, committed to action
  • Amalgamated Bank has a better reputation for sound Environmental investment than other banks:  Home | Amalgamated Bank

• Invest in local communities, and partner with local congregations for advocacy.

• Engage in Join Laudato Si Movement together with INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT
  • About | Interfaith Power and Light: Acting Boldly Since 2000

• Engage in Join Laudato Si Movement together with INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT
  • About | Interfaith Power and Light: Acting Boldly Since 2000

• Purchase Ethically:
  • How to shop ethically | Ethical Consumer
  • 15 One-Stop Marketplaces For Ethical & Sustainable Shopping – The Good Trade
  •  
• Invite your congregations to read and discuss “Points of Progress” series featured in the Christian Science Monitor which has an excellent record in Climate Change coverage
  • Christian Science Monitor – CSMonitor.com
  • The path to sustainable progress – CSMonitor.com

• Read Faith in Conservation (2003) by Martin Palmer and his wife Victoria Finley
  • Available as a Free PDF via World Bank publications:
  •  World Bank Document

• Watch and Invite Your Congregations to view the extraordinary film THE LETTER – (1 ½ hours)

The Pope, the Environmental Crisis, and Frontline Leaders | The Letter: Laudato Si Film – YouTube

• A shorter version highlighting all the central issues (6 ½ minutes): https://youtu.be/KXA5_juFgDg

• The Original Encyclical (Papal Letter) is available here:  Laudato si’ (24 May 2015) | Francis (vatican.va)

• An excellent Study Guide on the encyclical:  Commentary on Laudato SI’  Examining Background, Contributions, Implementation & Future of Pope  Commentary on Laudato SI’ – Kevin W. Irwin : PaulistPress You may like:
• https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/5519-4/ecology-liturgy-and-the-sacraments.aspx

• For More Intensive Coverage see World Bank CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT – AN AGENDA FOR ACTION  https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099225111022214669/pdf/P177484045ffc80470805201983259b8b34.pdf

• Educate the Young: Worlds of Choice: O’Brien, Joanne: 9780003222050: Amazon.com: Books

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

1. Laudato Si has inspired numerous international Environmental Action initiatives.
   1. Jesuits’ International 7 Year Plan: http://www.sjweb.info/documents/sjs/docs/Jesuit_7yearplan.pdfc

• Eco-Muslim Organization: 6 Muslim Organizations Fighting Climate Change | About Islam

• Jewish Institutions for a Better Environment: Jewish institutions awaken to climate crisis, with hundreds pledging action – Jewish Telegraphic Agency (jta.org)

• Buddhist Approach to Responsible Investment: Sustainable Investing: Taking a Buddhist Approach to Business – Buddhistdoor Global