Hallam: J&P Day calls for Environment Policy and Divestment from fossil fuels
Signing the divestment letter
Hallam Diocese is the latest diocese in England and Wales to be looking into producing an Environmental Policy for the diocese, inspired by Pope Francis' Laudato Si'. A draft policy was handed out at a day in Sheffield on Saturday organised by Hallam Justice and Peace. Around 30 people from 11 parishes gathered at St Wilfred's Centre, and one of them was Bishop Ralph Heskett of Hallam. Bishop Heskett said he was "very grateful" to Hallam Justice and Peace for working on the Environment Policy, and the plans would be brought forward at future meetings of the Commission. The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales is encouraging every diocese to develop an Environmental Policy.
Anne Peacey of Hallam Justice and Peace explained the hard work of Commission members to produce the draft policy. She said that it is intended as a catalyst for action. It contains suggestions for action on an individual, parish and diocesan level, including green energy, fair trade, eating less meat, CAFOD/ Live Simply, and phasing out single use plastic. Weekly bidding prayers at Masses and ideas in parish bulletins, plus support for Creation Time in the Autumn, were amongst initiatives mentioned.
During the day a letter was drafted to Bishop Ralph, asking that the diocese join those Catholic bodies internationally divesting from fossil fuels, a major cause of global warming. This followed presentations by Ellen Teague of the Columbans, Angela Powell of CAFOD and Rick Watson of the Sheffield Climate Alliance Food Group which highlighted the dangers facing our common home, Planet Earth, in terms of climate change and loss of biodiversity. All felt the Churches have an important role in improving care of Earth's natural systems. CAFOD's new campaign will be 'Our Common Home' focusing on climate change and resources can be downloaded from CAFOD's website. A major lobby of parliament on climate change is being organised for 26 June in London.
For young people, the future of their planet home is of even greater significance and their participation in this mission of the Church is crucial. Anna and Eleanor Marshall, both pupils at St Mary's Catholic High School in Chesterfield, gave presentations that received huge applause. Anna read out her essay 'Facing up to Climate Change' which won the recent national Young Journalists' Competition, run by the Columban Missionary Society. She highlighted the fragility of the planet and the evidence of the effects of climate change on the very poorest communities. She emphasised the need to make the connections between poverty and the health of God's creation. Eleanor reflected on initiatives in her school to promote greater awareness on creation care and, particularly climate change. She is part of the school's Green Team.
Anne Peacey said afterwards: "I think that the willingness to engage with all the issues raised, the listening and sharing of ideas created a strong feeling of solidarity and common purpose and an enthusiasm for ongoing action. We recognised the urgent need for personal ecological conversion and that we must also work with partners and allies to challenge those structures and policies which are contributing to the destruction of our common home."
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