Creation Care Ministry members find hope at environmental conference

Sarah Mundell Spencer, left, and Julie Reyes, members of the archdiocesan Creation Care Ministry, touch a piece of a glacier from Greenland during the Raising Hope for Climate Justice Conference held in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Oct. 1-3. (Submitted photo)

Criterion staff report

Sarah Mundell Spencer and Julie Reyes, members of the archdiocesan Creation Care Ministry, walked away hopeful and motivated after attending the Raising Hope for Climate Justice Conference held in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Oct. 1-3.

The event celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.”

Reyes, a member of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis, says she was “inspired by the many projects of conference participants and motivated to do my part locally to be part of the solutions for those in countries that are struggling.

“So many of these projects included collaborations with people outside of their immediate circles, whether it be other religions, government officials or secular groups. It was inspiring to see how much we can accomplish if we work together.”

Spencer agreed, saying she heard at the conference about “communities in the Pacific that are going under water and have to leave their home islands because the sea level is rising.”

The member of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) Parish in Indianapolis contrasted such stories of concern with other stories of hope, like “the Church in Ireland, that together has committed to rewilding 30% of their property so there are more native plants to feed the insects and animals and more habitat for them to live in.”

The conference included an in-person address by Pope Leo XIV. Reyes was touched by his call to a “return to the heart” of growth in relationship with God, others and nature.

Spencer found meaning in Pope Leo’s comment that at the end of each person’s life, “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world he created for the benefit of all and for future generations, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters. What will be our answer?”

The conference ended with participants writing a pledge of commitment to action. All pledges will be brought to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil on Nov. 10-21

to express the concern and dedication of faith communities to caring for the environment.

All are welcome to submit a pledge of commitment to action at raisinghope.earth/action. †