Greening the Congregation
“Creation is gifted with all kinds of resources that are entrusted to the stewardship of the human family. As they are not unlimited, we have to preserve them for ourselves and for future generations. Competition for scarce resources creates conflict, whilst the conservation of nature and natural resources contributes to justice and the maintenance of peace. These are three interlocking elements in the journey of the human family: justice, peace, integrity of creation. We have to work on all three levels. Vade Mecum p. 5Oblate Resolution
In March 2001, the Provincial Council adopted a resolution designed to “Green” the Congregation. This calls for us to:
- conserve energy and natural resources
- provide environmental health and safety to all Oblates and staff
- integrate environmentalism into Oblate missionary work according to Rule 9a of the Constitution and Rules – “Action on behalf of justice, peace and the integrity of creation is an integral part of evangelization.”
Simplifying lifestyles is an important way to become more ecologically responsible – another means to deepen our involvement in social justice issues and environmental concerns. The resolution of the Provincial Council recommends that we:
- seek to decrease harm to the environment
- reduce waste and dependency on raw materials through recycling
- conserve energy and water
- purchase products that are non-toxic, recyclable and minimally packaged.
Read the Resolution (Download PDF)
For practical ideas on how to live out the resolution, see:
- Ten steps you can take to “Turn the Tide”
- Oblate Environmental brochures (see Oblate Ecological Education Resources below)
Oblate Ecological Education Resources:
- The Oblate Ecological Initiative was developed as a major educational and outreach program on ecology and spirituality to embody these concerns. Visit the website of the LaVista Ecological Learning Center.org
- OMI Environmental Resolution (Download PDF)
- Oblate Environmental brochures:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Download PDF)
- Focus on Food (Download PDF)
- A Look at Fair Trade (Download PDF)
- Earth-Friendly Products (Download PDF)
- Hints for Saving Water in Your Yard (Download PDF)
These brochures are now also available in Spanish. Visit the Spanish part of our site and look for the post: Nuevos Folletos sobre Uso de Agua, Alimentos, Productos de Limpieza Inofensivos, Comercio Justo y Más!
Links:
Programs of the US Catholic Conference of Bishops:
National Council of Churches, Eco-Justice Program
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
Evangelical Environmental Network
