"
For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full."
-Psalm 33
Climate Change Agreement Moves Forward
Catholic Climate Covenant Urges Ongoing Action
Earlier this month, the threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement on climate change was achieved. The Paris Agreement will enter into force on Nov 4.
The Catholic Climate Covenant joins with people of good will worldwide in celebrating this ratification achievement. The Agreement has now reached the necessary 55 countries (including ratification by the U.S.) totaling more than half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.
As Pope Francis emphasizes in
Laudato Si', we need courageous leadership -- especially from wealthy nations -- within the context of a strong international framework if we are to address the global ecological crisis (LS 53). Now is the time to urge our elected officials to take swift action to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement and transition without delay away form fossil fuels and to green energy (LS 165).
CRL strongly supports the Catholic Climate Coalition in delivering a petition to the leadership of U.S. Congress encouraging them to live up to our nation's climate goals. Over the next several weeks we will spread the word and seek additionalsignatures for the petition found
here.
We encourage our network members to spread the word - and of course invite everyone to add their names for this critical message to our national political leaders.
CRL at the FFA Convention in Indianapolis
Opportunity to Reach Out to Future Farmers
The National FFA Convention & Expo is underway this week in Indianapolis. Literally tens of thousands of young people - future farmers of America - will learn about careers in agriculture, meet with industry leaders, and develop skills they can take back to their home FFA chapter.
CRL is attending this year: we'll have an information table in the main exhibit hall. This is an opportunity for us to raise awareness about our programs in support of family farms and beginning farmers and ranchers. The enthusiasm of the young people attending the convention is infectious -- click here to see a high-energy review of last year's convention -- so we hope to draw this energetic spirit into the Catholic Rural Life network.
Ennis to Present at State Farmers Union events
Presentations on "The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader"
This weekend, Jim Ennis presents at the Montana Farmers Union annual convention on the forthcoming reflection, "The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader," due out in November. Ennis will be presenting at several additional farm conventions, plus other venues, between now and next spring.
"The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader" reflection is the culmination of the FAITH, FOOD & the ENVIRONMENT project initiated in 2014 and focused on the vocation of farming and the agricultural leaders who shape our food production system.
Catholic Rural Life seeks to deepen the dialogue with agricultural leaders who are grappling with nutritious food concerns and environmental tipping-points. Our faith-based approachprovides a moral and meaningful perspective that will inspire and guide a new generation of agricultural producers and leaders.
CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE
Our mission is dedicated to addressing and overcoming
the challenges facing rural America: social, economic and ecological.
