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On April 4th 2024, Jakub Kowalewski, representing the Guardians of Creation Project, spoke during the Laudato Si’ Action Platform’s (LSAP) webinar devoted to practical implementation of Laudate Deum – Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation on the climate crisis.

LSAP is an initiative of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development supporting the Catholic community globally in translating the principles of integral ecology into action.

Jakub, speaking alongside the director of LSAP John Mundell, and Fr Mathew P Abraham C.Ss.R., the Director General of The Catholic Health Association of India, introduced the audience to the work of the Guardians of Creation Project highlighting how GOCP’s resources can support setting decarbonisation strategy and promoting pro-environmental behavioural change. 

On 4th September 2024, Roland Daw, the Guardians of Creation Project’s research lead, joined an online panel with Kirsty Wright, the Head of Property at the Diocese of Plymouth, and Bridget French from Our Lady of Lourdes in Harpenden, who helped her parish achieve the Live Simply award, for an event hosted by CAFOD, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and St Mary’s University. Chaired by Neil Thorns, CAFOD’s Director of Advocacy, the event explored how parishes can reduce their environmental footprint and showcased innovative parishes as inspirational models for others. 

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In the first week of October 2024, the Guardians of Creation Project’s team travelled to the Vatican at the invitation of the British Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott. The trip provided an opportunity for several valuable meetings, including with Caritas International, the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences. The team also showcased their project to representatives of the Holy See, Catholic networks and Diplomats accredited to the Holy See.

The British Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, said: “The Catholic Church, alongside all faith communities worldwide, play a vital role in driving action on climate change. Guardians of Creation is an excellent example of turning ambition into action at grassroots level.” 

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On 7th February 2024, the Guardians of Creation Project (GoCP) hosted a webinar for individuals with managerial responsibility in dioceses, religious orders, charities, and other religious and faith-based organisations. The list of attendees included more than 60 change-makers from around the globe, including representatives from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific region, and the Americas. 

Drawing on the GoCP reports, we discussed effective strategies for decarbonisation and enablers of attitude and behaviour change. The webinar also provided an opportunity for members of religious and faith-based organisations, especially organisations looking to translate Laudato Si’ into practical action, to share good practices and explore how to address context-specific barriers to ecological transformation.

Comments from attendees

Each and every one of us can make the difference, but most people don’t even start. It is important to share experience and network.

Gratitude for your initiative to build a community of Guardians through this webinar - it promotes positive communication crucial for the social transformation we desire.

I am impressed with what you have been able to achieve in spite of having many of the same challenges we face here in the US.

Clear and to-the-point presentation of reports that covered good ground.

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If you missed the event, or simply want to go over the discussion again, you can watch the recording now.