Photograph by Bernard Mills
“Respect for the human being and respect for nature are one, but both can grow and find their right measure if we respect in the human being, and in nature, the Creator and his creation. On this, dear young people, I believe to find allies in you, true “guardians of life and creation.” Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, in speaking to Italian students in 2011.
The third annual review of the Diocese of Plymouth Environmental Policy gives a brief overview of progress being made to implement the commitments in the policy. It is just a snapshot of some of the amazing work happening across the diocese. One of the social action themes of the Jubilee Year is care for creation. This year we are invited to pray and reflect on how we are addressing creation care, climate change and the environment.
We are guardians of life and creation and, indeed, intimately connected to the natural world around us. The problems facing us are many, varied and inter-related, as are the variety of responses that are required from us. But essentially, we need a heart shaped by our discipleship of Jesus. One that loves God, neighbour, and the natural world around us.
This report shares the wonderful variety of initiatives and efforts being made in our parishes, schools and the wider community, to respond to the call for change and bring healing and flourishing to God’s creation. Please let caritas@prcdtr.org.uk know what you are doing as a Church, and as individuals, to bring harmony and repair to our relationship with God’s creation. We would love to hear from you.
May the work that has already been taking place in our own diocese, reflected in this review, be a help and inspiration for us all in being guardians of life and creation.