As missionary disciples, we are invited to be part of the redeeming mission of Christ, and to approach our task with joy and gratitude remembering, “Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.” (Laudato Si’ #12). Nevertheless, as individuals and as a community of faith, we all know that there are serious environmental challenges. As Pope Francis reminds us, we are not ‘hearing the Cry of the Poor and the Earth’, and we “have grown indifferent to all kinds of wastefulness” (Fratelli Tutti #18).

As a community, “we have an obligation to ensure that every person lives with dignity and has sufficient opportunities for his or her integral development” (Fratelli tutti #118). Each of us is called to take concrete steps – from reducing consumption to working for change – to better care for the Creation which God has entrusted to us. As individuals we can all play our part and, collectively, we can do a great deal.

We need to recognise that the care of our common home, is not only a summons to profound ‘interior conversion’ but also a call to a ‘community conversion’. It is to be a lasting change of heart.

The Diocese of Plymouth is committed to encouraging and enabling individuals of all ages to take their own personal action, in solidarity with the poorest and most disadvantaged people, who experience disproportionately, the negative impact of climate change and the exploitation of the earth’s resources. You can find our policy here and Bishop Mark’s Pastoral letter. We hope that the links and resources on this page will be helpful.

The Environment Committee reports each year on progress against the commitments in our environmental policy.  Read our latest report here.

In February 2024, the Diocesan Trustees agreed an approach towards addressing climate change which considered climate change from a Catholic Social Teaching perspective as well as an environmental perspective and which set out some of the practical steps that the diocese is and will be taking to respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the Poor.

Please feed back any suggestions to the Diocese of Plymouth Environmental Lead: caritas@prcdtr.org.uk

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