Franciscan Action Network (FAN) Cares for Creation
On January 26, 2011, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) hosted “Creativity for Creation,” a two-hour webcast which explored how the Franciscan tradition can contribute to the collective effort to care for creation, especially as we face the challenge of climate change. This interactive event included discussion of how to move towards our goals of ecological sustainability locally and regionally as we continue to advocate for comprehensive federal legislation to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Panelists included Prof. Rob Breen, SFO, of the political science department at Siena College; Sr. Caryn Crook, OSF, who provided a foundation in Franciscan creation theology; Stacey Kennealy of GreenFaith; Joelle Novey of Interfaith Power and Light; and Fran Teplitz from Green America. Additional resources and a link to a recording of the webcast are available at http://www.franciscanaction.org/creativityforcreation.
FAN’s C4C: Franciscan Care for Creation six-session program is one way to prepare communities, including at the parish and diocesan level, to address important ecological issues. The C4C facilitator’s manual and companion DVD provide learners with an introduction to a Franciscan perspective on relationships in creation, an overview of pressing creation issues (including climate change, environmental health, and clean water issues), a description of a Franciscan ecosocial analysis tool and the processes of civic engagement, and suggestions for ways to put faith into action in caring for God’s creation. For more information about C4C, including a preview of the facilitator’s manual and DVD, or to order a copy, please visit http://www.franciscanaction.org/c4c.
FAN is also an active member of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, which supports FAN’s distribution of C4C. FAN’s Executive Director, Patrick Carolan, represents the Coalition as a “Catholic Climate Ambassador.”
Given the coincidence of Good Friday and Earth Day this year, FAN’s Lenten resources focus on “Crucified Creation.” Weekly resources feature Lectionary reflections, contemporary stories of suffering in our earthly home, and ways to respond in prayer and action. Other resources throughout the season include an Ash Wednesday reflection on carbon in creation; Br. Jeffrey Wilson, TOR’s examination of how we share our faith values with secular partners in caring for creation; various forms of the Stations of the Cross; and a Lenten calendar from the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. During the Easter season, FAN will share stories of “Resurrection in Creation.” To access the resources, visit http://www.franciscanaction.org/creation_lectionary_reflections.
To learn more about FAN’s Care for Creation efforts generally, please contact Christy Elliott at 202 527 7564 or elliott@franciscanaction.org. You can reach Patrick Carolan at 202 527 7565 or carolan@franciscanaction.org.
Download the informational flyer on C4C: Franciscan Care for Creation.
Tags: Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, climate change, Creativity for Creation, curriculum, Easter, Franciscan Action Network, Good Friday, Lent, webcast