Ecological Conversion
We believe that our missionary vocation contains within it an ecological vocation to be in solidarity with the poor and with Creation which impels us to continually review and renew our option for a simple lifestyle and make choices that bring us into right relationship with all of Creation. We recognize that ecological conversion and the creation-centered theology that underpins it is an ongoing commitment that occurs both personally and communally and strive through our actions and spirituality to offer a prophetic witness to the Integrity of Creation.
Education
Columbans strive to help society and particularly the Catholic Church understand the magnitude of the Climate Change issue and its consequences, also its links with other issues. We develop and provide education materials utilizing a See-Judge-Act methodology for Catholic parishes, schools, institutions, and to individuals and families as to what can be done to counteract global warming, grounded in our faith and Catholic Social Teaching. This involves awareness raising, advocacy in the political and corporate spheres, lifestyle change and worship ideas. It means challenging false information and bias in the media.
Sustainable Economic Models
Columbans support sustainable economic models that value the dignity of all life. This will involve endorsing organizations working towards alternatives to the blind pursuit of economic growth as an end in itself. We will work towards an economy with energy and material flows kept within sustainable limits, fairer distribution of wealth, reform of the monetary system and promotion of social enterprises.
Renewable Energy Sources
We believe that the natural world by its relational and regenerative nature can teach us how to live sustainably. When we understand our relationship with the natural world as mutually interconnected, we begin to see the elements of life not as resources to use for human consumption but expressions of communion with God. As such, our relationship with Creation becomes one of respect inviting us to seek energy alternatives such as Wind, Solar, Geothermal, Hydro and Wave power that honour the cycles of life and teach us to live with less and in harmony with the natural world.
Inter-Religious Cooperation
We join with people of other faith traditions in a spirit of respectful dialogue and prophetic witness, knowing that Climate Change has universal impacts. We believe through dialogue with people of other faith traditions including indigenous spirituality, the fullness of God’s story is revealed and in that mutual listening we hear the wisdom of other peoples. Currently, people of other faith traditions are working on the issue of Climate Change inspired by the resources of their faith traditions. By working together, the potential of greater effectiveness and a wider awareness leading to joint action could be achieved.
Socially Responsible Investing
As a Society we are called upon to use the resources entrusted to us for the life of the world. Through the ethically and socially responsible use and investment of financial resources, we commit to a variety of approaches including positive impact investing and the divestment of our financial resources in companies that exploit the natural world and disrespect the dignity of human life, particularly fossil fuel companies, extractive industries, and arms companies. We develop ecumenical and interfaith partnerships so that the voices of people of faith who see Climate Change as a moral issue can be heard. In recent years, fossil-free portfolios have had similar performance to those including fossil fuels, sometimes outperforming them.
Simple Lifestyle
Our option for the poor and Creation, invites us to live intentionally in relationship with communities and the natural world that are most vulnerable. We are challenged to examine our lifestyle of over consumption and dependency on fossil fuels and opt for a lifestyle that is guided by our ecological vocation to be in right relationship with all of Creation.
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