The ArchIndy Creation Care Commission joined youth and people around the world on September 20 to strike for climate.
The group consisting of Creation Care Commission members and 3 generations of Catholics met 10:15am on at St. John the Evangelist in downtown Indy for a short prayer service and reflection on caring for God’s creation before walking to the Indiana Statehouse.
Background
Since a young Swedish girl named Greta Thunberg began striking for action on climate change every Friday, young people around the world–-and adults–-have been responding to her call to take action for the sake of our future. Catholics are joining the call, and responding to Pope Francis’ message to “go into the streets.”
In June, Pope Francis declared a Climate Emergency and in his message on the World Day of Prayer (Sept 1 2019) called us to prayer, lifestyle change and action:
“The young remind us that the earth is not a possession to be squandered, but an inheritance to be handed down. They remind us that hope for tomorrow is not a noble sentiment, but a task calling for concrete actions here and now.”
Pope Francis
What are some of the goals of this particular strike and Season of Creation? (from Pope Francis’ message)
…Raising the awareness of political and civil leaders who have upcoming meetings to renew commitments decisive for directing the planet towards life, not death….In this regard, the forthcoming United Nations Climate Action Summit is of particular importance. There, governments will have the responsibility of showing the political will to take drastic measures to achieve as quickly as possible zero net greenhouse gas emissions and to limit the average increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius with respect to pre-industrial levels, in accordance with the Paris Agreement goals.
The strike happened 3 days before the start of the UN Climate Summit, which another worldwide event planned for Friday September 27. (Read a nice message from Dr. Lorna Gold on Catholic schools and climate strikes).
More information about the strike: Laudato Si’ Generation, Global Climate Strike, Strike with Us