Archbishop Mark Coleridge is looking to lead the way on climate action, declaring in a very clear message to the Brisbane diocese that talking about climate is simply not enough.
“We have to listen to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor. The vision has to become action” he said.
Coleridge stressed the insufficiency of ongoing discussions without tangible outcomes.
In a decisive move to address the pressing issues of environmental degradation and social injustice, the Brisbane Archdiocese on Thursday launched the Laudato Si’ Action Plan 2024-2026 at the Francis Rush Centre.
Action-oriented strategy
Crafted through a collaborative effort among various agencies within the Brisbane archdiocese, the plan presents seven targeted goals.
These goals are designed to echo and respond actively to Pope Francis’s environmental and social advocacies in the encyclical Laudato Si’.
The goals range from directly addressing the environmental crisis and aiding those in poverty, to transforming economic, educational and spiritual practices within the Brisbane Archdiocese.
Emma Beach, who spearheads the Laudato Si’ Action Plan, underlined the commitment to realising these ambitions.
“It’s going to happen” she said, signaling a shift from planning to implementation.
The action plan includes significant changes such as adjusting investment strategies, revamping the archdiocesan vehicle fleet to decrease fossil fuel dependency, and revising procurement processes.
Immediate steps and future goals
A standout feature of the plan is its actionable steps, each accompanied by specific deadlines and responsible parties.
For example, to combat reliance on fossil fuels, the first order of business is updating the archdiocese’s car fleet within the next four years.
Moreover, in an effort to align financial practices with ethical standards, investment policies will be revised by January 2025 to include reports on fossil fuel investments and other non-congruent activities.
The action plan also emphasises ecological education, aiming to involve 15 parishes in developing their own Laudato Si’ commitments by 2025-2026.
This strategy seeks to educate and empower communities to contribute actively to environmental stewardship and social justice.
The plan outlines seven goals in a four-year time frame:
- Responding to the Cry of the Earth
- Responding to the Cry of the Poor
- Ecological economics
- Adoption of sustainable lifestyles
- Ecological education
- Ecological spirituality
- Community resilience and empowerment
Beyond dialogue
The Brisbane Archdiocese’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan signifies a pivotal leap from dialogue to action in the face of global ecological and social challenges.
By setting clear goals, actionable steps and strict timelines, the Archdiocese underscores its dedication to making a substantive difference.
This initiative stands as a testament to the belief that effective response to the cries of the earth and the poor goes beyond talk, requiring immediate and committed action.
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