Twenty years after the first teaching document was published explaining why we Catholics care about Creation, the Catholic Bishops have published a new edition of The Call of Creation.

The document, which is written in clear, plain English calls for us all as individuals and as communities to convert our hearts and minds in recognition of the inter-connectedness of all God’s creation.

By following the teachings of our Faith to respect the sanctity of life, seek the Common Good, stand in solidarity with the poor we are encouraged to love and nurture all of God’s Creation.

Although we continue to act in partnership with other churches and faiths and through civil and political structures, there is much we can do in our own lives to help change the consumerist culture of greed, waste, pollution and damage.

Previous Popes such as Paul VI and St John Paul II have made this exhortation, and most recently Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ – and the Holy Father is at pains to point out that it is our individual actions, when multiplied, which can make a real difference.

Many of CAFOD’s ways of ‘Living Simply’ can be tried in our own home, school or parish to either a greater or lesser degree – and our experiences of what may be a ‘quick win’ or ‘more of a challenge’ shared through these pages to encourage, inform, inspire and engage others.

Any and all of YOUR ideas, suggestions and photographs may be sent for publication on these Diocese of Leeds Environment and Conservation pages by emailing environment@dioceseofleeds.org.uk and/or communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

For the reasons why it is a major part of our Catholic Faith to do this, how Creation reveals God, and how Creation participates in our redemption, please see/download The Call of Creation: