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SEE THESE INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLETS |
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“There can be no genuine justice and
peace in our world unless we begin to act as true stewards of creation, thus
safeguarding the survival and integrity of the planet.” June 5, 2001 Dear Brother Oblates and others, This March, the Provincial Council adopted a resolution establishing a Province environmental policy and principles to conserve energy and natural resources, to provide environmental health and safety to all Oblates and staff and to integrate environmentalism into their 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.” We must endeavor to be more ecologically responsible by demonstrating a serious effort toward simplifying lifestyles as 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 and to reduce waste and dependency on raw materials through recycling, conservation of energy and water, and through the purchasing of products that are non-toxic, recyclable and minimally packaged. In exploring our relationship with the environment, it may be helpful to reflect upon how we contribute to the richness and sustainability of the natural world around us. As outlined in Vade Mecum, we must begin our missionary analysis with surveying the local reality and ask ourselves, “What is being lived at this level?”(p. 57). Furthermore, we should consider the far-reaching implications of how our everyday decisions and practices impact the global environment and human family. “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. 5 In order to help facilitate a greater awareness for environmental issues and the means through which we can promote ecological well-being on a local level, we are providing a few resources on the subject. We offer these pamphlets as a launching point or ongoing tool to provide information on how you can participate in safeguarding the integrity of creation through recycling, conservation, and eco-conscious purchasing. Please see the following pamphlets: Please feel free to modify. reproduce and make suggestions on
any of the material in these pamphlets. As always, please feel free to contact
us with questions or if you need additional resources.
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