A summary of Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, by Pope Francis. This summary includes a short introduction and explanation of the encyclical letter, and how to turn the letter into a teachable moment for children. The summary then breaks down the encyclical by briefly defining key topics (Saint Francis of Assisi and an integral ecology; Pollution, waste, and throwaway culture; Climate as a common good; Right of water; Loss of biodiversity; Global inequality; The Gospel of Creation; Integral ecology; Consumerism; Toward a new lifestyle; and Prayers) with direct quotes from the encyclical itself.
This resource outlines activities to teach children the concepts discussed in Pope Francis's encyclical letter Laudato si'. Activity topics include: Water; Endangered Species; Recycling; Consumerism; Build a World to Give to Our Children; Dignity of All Human People; and Gratitude. An excellent resource for educators!
A brief outline of Laudato Si' with a list of important quotes from the encyclical letter. Includes Guiding Questions to help lead discussion and learning. An excellent resource for educators!
Pope Francis has released a statement on the issue of developing land that is spiritually significant to native people. There have been many incidents in recent years where land was taken from natives in order to further economic development of a country at the cost of the rights of native people in regards to practicing their religion. Although it was never officially stated, this statement was in regards to the approved completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which will interfere with sacred land of different Native American tribes.
Interfaith Power & Light offers The Poverty of Global Climate Change, a National Council of Churches Eco Justice resource on the impacts of climate change, especially on the poor and vulnerable population. This document states background information on climate change, how humans make it worse with our daily habits, and how to start on the path to making it right. It also offers sermon starters and other resources to help teach the relation between faith and the environment.
On June 25, 2017, the amendments added to the constitution of the Presbyterian Church will go into effect. Included in these provisions is the addition of caring for God’s creation as a responsibility for all church members. The amendment received the needed 86 affirmative votes for ratification.
This link provides the document that serves as a resource to apply for The Bee Cause Project. The Bee Cause Project provides support for obtaining various bee hive options for K-12 schools.
Staff and students from St. Joseph Montessori School, Columbus, Ohio, worked together to apply for one of the grants offered. The students prepared a power point presentation about the bee hives. They also added their signatures on letters of support for their application to their local planning and zoning commission in order to build their bee yard.
Ramadan is a time to reflect, exercise self-control, and cultivate connections to one's faith. This three-part toolkit hopes to enhance the Ramadan experience using those same concepts but building more environmentally friendly habits while connecting one
with their faith in a unique way.
Each day highlights an Ayah, a quote, or a hadith that aspires to inspire you to action. The “challenge yourself” section of the day gives you a suggestion on how to adjust your habits, and the “reflection” section hopes to help you analyze your current habits in order to make the habit-forming both action-oriented and intellectual.
