Neil Thorns, Director of Advocacy at the UK based Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), recently described the importance of having a Season of Creation at this time as an opportunity for everyone to step back, reflect and think about how you’re going to act in this world in ways which are going to make a difference to the whole of creation.
“There’s nothing new that has come out from this pandemic”, said Mr Thorns. “What it has put a sharp focus on is the inequalities that already existed in our world, and it’s just shown that they have been exacerbated by this pandemic.”
In 2021 there will be several important moments for national leaders coming together for climate negotiations. It is planned that the G7 meeting will be held in the UK, and the G20 taking place in Italy. China will host the UN biodiversity summit, and world leaders will come together in Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Summit.
This Season of Creation is a time to reconnect with Nature, examine our own mistreatment of Mother Earth and commit to new practices that are more respectful.
Let’s consider too what action or advocacy we as a Congregation might engage in to bring pressure on our leaders to take a stance for greater ecological and social justice in our world.