Climate Change

Why is this a public position for us?

Global climate change is having a significant negative impact on our land, air, water and human health. By adding our voice to many others we can influence those in power to make responsible changes in environmental legislation and policies.

As Dominicans we are called to preach God’s word, focusing on the “signs of the time.” With this corporate stance we demonstrate that we are resolute in reading the signs in our era, protecting Earth.

The Chapter Commitment of 2015, “Foster God’s web of life personally, communally and ministerially by advocating and supporting just policies and decisions to reduce the impact of global climate change,” moves us to act with a corporate voice.

Pope Francis reminds us of the urgent challenge to protect our common home. As Dominicans we care for all creation and congregationally offer our prayers that the challenge of global climate change can be addressed in a way that ensures a sustainable future for all of God’s creation.

By making a corporate stance on global climate change the community pledges to work with others who are also committed to this issue.

Actions we have taken:

The Dominican Sisters of Peace and their Associates committed themselves corporately in the following statement: “The Dominican Sisters of Peace and Associates are committed to reducing the impact of global climate change. We support actions, programs and legislation on all levels to protect Earth’s climate, with particular concern for the negative impact affecting the lives of the poor.” (2016)

Our public position on this issue is a collective effort, born of study and reflection, to focus our attention on some of the more urgent and compelling needs of our world. A public position requires that the members vote on the issue after careful study and prayer and make a special commitment of action, advocacy and resources to respond to the issue.

IN TAKING THIS POSITION, WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO:

  • Support federal and state environmental legislation that reduces carbon emissions
  • Personally commit to actions that reduce our carbon footprint
  • Collaborate with other organizations in addressing global climate change.

 

Resources

  • The Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale
  • The Climate Reality Project
  • Endangered Earth
  • Catholic Climate Covernant
  • Interfaith Power and Light
  • “The End of the Line: Where Have All the Fish Gone” – DVD (82 min), A film by Rupert Murray
  • “The Renewal Documentary” – DVD (90 min), Produced and directed by Mary Ostrow and Terry Kay Rockefiller
  • “Chasing Ice” – DVD (75 min), Directed by Jeff Orlowski
  • “Merchants of Doubt”  – DVD (93 min), Directed by Robert Kenner
  • “11th Hour” (124 min) directed by Lelia Conners and Nadia Conners
  • “Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet” by Bill McKibben, published by St. Martin’s Griffin
  • “Journey of the Universe” by Brian Thomas Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker, published by Yale University Press
  • “The Narrow Edge: A Tiny Bird, an Ancient Crab, and an Epic Journey” by Deborah Cramer, published by Yale University Press