Westminster parishes study Laudato Si

Gathering in Hitchen

About 40 parishes were represented at three Laudato Si Autumn Gatherings across the diocese. Based in Hitchin, Chiswick and Kensington respectively they attracted parishioners throughout the diocese as well as Anglicans from Hampton Hill, Methodists from Acton and a LiveSimply representative from Petts Wood in the Southwark diocese.

The days were organised by Westminster Justice and Peace, Caritas Westminster and CAFOD to discuss the challenge of climate change, the message of Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical 'Laudato Si' and practical ways for parishes to get involved. Bishop Paul McAleenan led prayers at Hitchin, Fr Philip Dyer-Perry, Dean of Upper Thames Deanery led at Chiswick, and Fr Joe Ryan, Chair of Westminster Justice and Peace led at Kensington. CAFOD presented a view of the global climate crisis, and how Pope Francis perceives it.

At Kensington Maria Elena Arana of CAFOD Campaigns highlighted the effectiveness of the Livesimply Parish Award. West Green, Pimlico, Ware and Hitchen parishes have all achieved the award and were happy to share their initiatives with others, such as White City, who are working towards it.

Susy Brouard, CAFOD Theology team, at Chiswick highlighted Pope Francis's call to love creation. Fr Joe Ryan, chair of Westminster Justice and Peace, spoke about cycling to the Paris Climate talks last November and joining the massive faith lobby calling for an agreement. He felt we must push for the UK to ratify the agreement and to join the international movement disinvesting from fossil fuels. Barbara Kentish, Westminster Justice and Peace fieldworker, explored the theme of "ecological conversion" and suggested that getting involved in local environmental and social justice initiatives would be important. She said the 'Pray and Fast for the Climate' initiative had helped people link faith with concern about climate change.

Laudato Si' was described as "a road map for dealing with these issues in parishes" by Edward de Quay of Westminster Caritas. He said that Caritas is pushing for parishes to undertake environmental audits and for individuals to connect with God and neighbour through such initiatives as community gardens. And he reported that around 80 percent of Westminster's parishes are already signed up to green electricity. Bishop Nicholas Hudson concluded the Kensington event with a reflection on the wonders of modern astronomy, and God's overarching love for all - humans and creation as a whole.

Action ideas put forward to conclude the events included supporting Fairtrade parishes, the Livesimply Parish Award, foodbanks and talking with parish priests about energy, transport and justice, peace and ecology liturgies. 'Man sheds' intrigued and interested many, as a way of getting together to help repair and reuse consumer goods.

Stalls were run by the planning organisations, Wonders of Waste Bags, Columban missionaries, Operation Noah and Friends of the Earth. In Kensington one of the latter remarked afterwards that they now saw the Catholic Church in a different light. Laudato Si' is indeed a vehicle for greater dialogue and cooperation between people of all faiths and none.