CAFOD encourages reflection on God's gift of creation

As Lent gets underway, CAFOD is encouraging the Catholic community of England and Wales to reflect on God's gift of creation and to consider how concern for the environment is linked to faith. In collaboration with respected theologians, including Bishop Sánchez of the Vatican's Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences and Dr Ann Marie Mealey, Senior Lecturer in moral theology at Leeds Trinity University, CAFOD has produced six reflection cards on key themes of Catholic Social Teaching: creation, the common good, the earth as neighbour, faith and climate change, Christ as Redeemer and 'Who is my neighbour?'

Accompanying the cards are three short films, providing expert theological insight into creation, climate change and its impact on the world's poorest communities. The 5-6 minute films go deeper into the themes explored in the reflection cards.

Pope Francis, who takes his name from the great lover of the environment, St Francis of Assisi, has spoken publicly about the importance of caring for creation for the good of everyone, but in particular, for the most vulnerable communities around the world. Through its One Climate, One World campaign, CAFOD is pushing for political action to stop climate change pushing vulnerable people deeper into poverty.

Fr Augusto Zampini Davies, CAFOD's Theological Adviser, said: "Ever since Pope Francis became Bishop of Rome in 2013, he has been asking Catholics to consider our role and responsibility within society, paying particular attention to the needs of the poor while working for the elimination of the structural causes of poverty.

"Our new climate reflection postcards and films provide a fresh perspective on well-known and loved biblical stories. I hope CAFOD supporters will be enriched by these resources and find them a useful tool to help connect their faith with action during this season of Lent."

Find the reflection cards and films, which can be used individually or with a group, at: www.cafod.org.uk/climatereflections.

Read more about the people whose lives have been affected by a changing climate and help them rebuild their lives while having your donation to CAFOD doubled this Lent here: www.cafod.org.uk/Lent