As the Conference of Religious prepares to hold three meetings around the country at which congregations will be invited to reflect on ecological conversion, the Jesuits in Britain have announced they are divesting from companies whose major income comes from the extraction of fossil fuels.
Fr Damian Howard SJ, the Provincial Superior of the British Jesuits, issued the following statement explaining the move:
“This is a response to the clear moral imperative of acting to safeguard our planet for future generations at a time when scientific evidence is mounting that we are facing a grave climate emergency. Climate change is the most pressing challenge the world faces as climate disasters wreak more and more destruction, hitting poorer countries the hardest - despite them having done the least to cause them.
What happens to the climate and the environment will have implications for us all. That’s why we need to act together to protect the conditions for human life. I am glad that the Jesuits can contribute to that joint effort. All our institutions need to respond to this ecological crisis and take bold action to reduce energy use and switch to renewable sources. Large-scale investors should be doing everything possible to help avert the severe consequences that could result if adequate measures are not taken.
Our equity investments are precious assets used to finance works and projects here in Britain and around the world, and even if there was no other reason, sound business sense alone would dictate that we take steps to protect those funds as there are severe financial risks associated with the increased frequency of climate disasters.
We recognise that this is just the beginning of a process of examining the wider impact of our investments. We need to do more to increase positive investments in areas such as sustainable energy. We also need to examine the carbon footprint and human rights track record of companies we invest in.
Laudato Si’ Centre, Oxford
Our decision to divest is just part of our response to the growing climate crisis. In response to Pope Francis’s call to care for the environment, we are promoting his vision of integral ecology with three linked projects in three different locations, united by a common outlook: the Oxford-based Laudato Si’ Research Institute will connect ecological thinking and research across disciplines; a new Jesuit community in south London is supporting young adults campaigning for a fairer, inclusive and sustainable world; and an education centre in central London is offering events and courses in theology, spirituality, and social and environmental justice, including an MA programme accredited by Roehampton University. We are also looking to ensure all the properties we invest in are run in as environmentally friendly a way as possible and our Jesuit communities are working to develop more sustainable ways of living, switching to green electricity and getting rid of some of their cars.
On top of that, Jesuit Missions is working in 17 countries with Jesuit partner organisations which accompany vulnerable people living on the margins. Projects include supporting environmental groups in Kenya; rebuilding safer and secure homes in the Philippines; working with local groups in India to prepare disaster response teams for future floods. Jesuit Missions also works with young people in schools to get them involved in shaping the world they want through its Companions in Action programme, with pupils calling on world leaders to deliver on their Paris Agreement pledges.
Every action ripples out, healing or hurting others. Lent is a great opportunity to take concrete steps to harmonise our own needs with those of others. Let's tackle climate chaos together.”
Laudato Si’ DAY OF REFLECTION :
Sr Margaret Atkins OSA
We have organised a day of reflection on Laudato Si’ which is being repeated in three locations so as to maximise the number of people who can participate. The days are aiming to help congregations consider quantifiable steps so that Religious will be in a position to lend their prophetic voice to the urgent climate crisis.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 29TH : in Salford Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP. Keynote speaker: Sr Margaret Atkins OSA with input from Steve Burrowes of the Laudato Si’ Centre, Salford Diocese.
SATURDAY MARCH 14th : in London : Little Sisters of the Poor, St Peter’s Residence, 2 Meadow Rd, Vauxhall, London SW8 1QH. Keynote speaker: Fr Sean McDonagh, a Columban, with input from John Paul de Quay of the Ecological Conversion Group. The venue is ten minutes walk from Vauxhall tube and also close to Oval tube.
Mater Ecclesiae
SATURDAY MARCH 21st: at Mater Ecclesiae convent, Street Ashton, Rugby CV23 0PJ - a beautiful rural setting, ideal for reflecting upon the environment! Keynote speaker: Sr Margaret Atkins OSA, with input from John Paul de Quay of the Ecological Conversion Group. (numbers at this location are limited so register soon if you’d like to attend). If sufficient numbers are travelling there by train we will try to provide a shuttle bus from Rugby rail station, so when booking please advise if this would be helpful.
The days will run from 1000 to 1600 with lunch included. Cost: £20. A booking form is available by sending an email to admin@corew.org.