Scottish Catholic Observer

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminister (far right), and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow (right) are encouraging the Catholic community to embrace the opportunity to reflect, act and pray, following the release of the Pope’s landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’.

In a joint statement, which concludes the new encyclical study guide created by development agencies CAFOD and SCIAF, the presidents of the Scottish and the English and Welsh bishops’ conference say: “Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, is an open dialogue with all people on the care of our common home.

“As a Catholic community, we are called by our faith to stand alongside poor communities and love God’s creation, CAFOD and SCIAF bring witnesses from partners overseas and in the UK, to help shed light on this important teaching and what it means for us all today.”

The study guide, available from tomorrow, is intended to be used as a short accompaniment to Laudato Si’. It contains passages from the encyclical; first-person accounts from poor communities around the world and parishes in the UK; discussion questions; ideas for action; and sections on prayer and reflection. It can be used individually or in a group to deepen understanding of the theology of creation and to encourage practical application of the encyclical’s themes.

CAFOD and SCIAF have also joined with over a hundred Catholic organisations from all over the world, as part of the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Together they are gathering signatures for a petition calling on world leaders to live up to the challenge set by the encyclical, and act to tackle climate change and poverty. So far, nearly 10,000 Catholics in the UK have added their names.

— The encyclical study guide is a free resource that comes with an accompanying DVD of short talks by theologians including Bishop Marcelo Sorondo and Dr Karen Kilby. It can be ordered by emailing [email protected] or by calling SCIAF on 0141 354 5555.

—[email protected]

—This story ran in full in the September 4 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.