We need to commit ourselves to caring for the created world, without squandering its resources, and sharing them in a cooperative way.  In particular, environmental degradation makes poor people's existence intolerable.                                                                                                 ~ Pope Benedict XVI Archdiocesan Environmental Stewardship Team Explanations of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) always include "Care of Creation" as one its key elements.  CST has largely focused on social justice, that is, the care of humanity that is "made in the image and likeness of God."  There is a need for an increased emphasis on eco-justice to ensure that the non-human portion of God's great gift of Creation "that God looked at and saw that it was good" is likewise given great attention and care.  Furthermore, social justice and eco-justice are tightly interconnected, and must both be addressed holistically. Care of Creation is an essential part of Catholic faith and practice because: Creation is of God, and therefore care of Creation gives honor to God the Creator; God has commanded us all to be stewards of the great gift of Creation; Creation supports human existence, and to abuse it negatively impacts human existence as well; and The poor of the world suffer disproportionately from the impacts of environmental degradation. We have chosen to focus on Global Warming, of all environmental issues, because of the severity of the problem and its great potential for negatively impacting humanity and the overall ecology of the earth.  To that end, our mission is to be: The “leading edge” of a coordinated and strategic Catholic effort to measurably reduce the carbon that is emitted in the state, through the strategies of education and advocacy.  We will work with the many organizations, faith communities, and individuals who have already started this work. We will be effective in meeting our goals due to the moral motivation of the Catholic faith, and the capacity for broad-based grassroots action through Catholic parishes. Environmental Stewardship Team Brochure : Click here If you would like to join the team, please indicate your interest here.  NEWS/ EVENTS: Click here for flyer and more information January 21-23, 2009 The 39th National Theological Conference:  A radical abundance - a theology of sustainability.  Click here for more information or how to register. January 24 & 25, 2009 Caring for Creation: One neighborhood at a time Featuring Dr. Timothy Gorringe.  Click here for more details. INFORMATION FOR PARISHES: Catholics Going Green:  A Small-Group Guide for Learning and LIving Enviromental Justice.  Click here for more information. The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change -A Catholic Climate Covenant:The St. Francis Pledge to Protect Creation and the Poor.  Click here to read. Parish Toolkit Environmental Stewardship Parish Teams Environmental Stewardship Public Policy Advocacy          LINKS Advocacy: Minnesota Legislature 2007 Session Summary click here for more info. Church Statements on Global Warming: September 24, 2007 - Intervention by the Holy see at the high-level event on climate change entitled "The future is in our hands: addressing the leadership challenge of climate change." Click here for website. February 7, 2007 - U.S. Bishops Call for Moral Focus on Global Warming. December 10, 2007 - Intervention by the Holy see at the ninth conference of the parties (COP-9) to the United Nations framework convention on climate change. (UNFCCC).  Click here for website. Read the 2001 U.S. Bishops' statement : Global Climate Change:  A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good GENERAL ISSUE EDUCATION AND ACTION The Catholic Coalition Read a fact sheet about global climate change in Minnesota Visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency by clicking here. Take the Minnesota Energy Challenge to see how you can use less energy, cut pollution, and save money!  When you do, register your commitments to save energy as a member of your parish , and as a member of Environmental Stewardship!  Click here to take the MEC. PREVIOUS ENVIROMENTAL STEWARDSHIP (formally GWAT) SPECIAL EVENTS/MEETINGS: February 20, 2008 Meeting Notes September 13, 2007 Meeting Notes May 31, 2007 Meeting Notes April 30th, 2007 Artic Voices Event at Westminster Presbyterian Church January 30, 2007 - Historic Informational Proceeding in State House Chambers November 20, 2006 - Archbishop Flynn Joins Other Faith Leaders in Meeting with Senator Coleman about Global Warming October 29, 2006 - Global Warming:  A Catholic Perspective