WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 21, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) launched its Franciscan Campaign on Climate Change (FCCC) with the first of seven Webinars providing details of the campaign. Several Holy Name Province ministries participated. The FCCC is part of the Franciscan Action Network’s participation in the Catholic Climate Covenant.
The Province’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Animator Russell Testa, one of the original organizers of the Catholic Climate Covenant, continues to further the effort.
The FCCC aims to make the Franciscan spiritual tradition part of public discussions on climate change. Climate change legislation and international negotiations will require a significant effort over the next few years, according to Testa. The struggle to change the direction of greenhouse gas emissions will necessitate public and private action for decades to come, he added. “As Franciscans, we have insights and wisdom to add to the undertaking.”
The campaign will unfold in multiple phases corresponding with the steps required in the creation of new federal and international laws. In the first part, the FCCC will focus on legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. In particular, FAN will work to facilitate that Franciscans meet with their U.S. representatives during the Memorial Day recess May 25 to 29, when congressional leaders are home in their districts.
All Holy Name Province ministries are encouraged to participate in the campaign by either facilitating or participating in a meeting with their Congress members. FAN has created a worksheet to help guide ministries through the process. In addition, FAN is working to keep current updates about the legislation posted on its Web site.
To better support the meetings, and to avoid scheduling of duplicate meetings, FAN asks that ministries share their plans. If a ministry is going to facilitate or participate in a meeting, e-mailclimatechange@franciscanaction.org the following information:
• Name of the person coordinating the meeting
• Telephone number
• The representative with whom you will meet
• Date of your meeting
FAN staff member Grant Clifton can help set up meetings.
“The Franciscan message is absolutely vital to the issue of climate change; it must be heard. Holy Name Province and its ministries are well-respected for their leadership with JPIC, so HNP participation will do much to further the effort,” Testa said.
If you have any questions about this campaign or climate change, contact Testa at 202-527-7561 or jpic@hnp.org.
— Fran Eskin-Royer is senior staff assistant in the Province’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.