Catholic Conference of Ohio
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Issues - Catholic Conference of Ohio

Environment

At its core, environmental concerns are about the future of God's creation and the one human family. Such concerns are about protecting both the human environment and the natural environment. They are about stewardship of God's creation and our responsibility to those who come after us.
As stewards of God’s creation we can live more simply, using the earth’s resources wisely, reducing our consumption, working to eliminate pollution and reducing our carbon footprint. We encourage the Ohio General Assembly to continue pursuing reasonable and effective initiatives for energy conservation and the development of alternate renewable and clean-energy resources. We continue to promote a greater respect for the land, and sustainable agricultural practices.


Catholic Bishops of Ohio Statements on Care for Creation

Pope Francis' Encyclical

 Care for Creation Microsite

Laudato Si' Week is May 22 to 29

Educate, reflect, pray and act on our relationship with Creation and the Creator.

Laudato Si’ Week 2022, is being held May 22-29, marking the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care. This global celebration will unite Catholics to listen and respond together to the cry of creation, rejoice in the progress we have made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life, and intensify our efforts through the dynamic Laudato Si’ Action Platform, walking the “Synodal” path. Sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and promoted by the Laudato Si' Movement in collaboration with around 150 Catholic organizations. During this week we seek to educate, dialogue, promote and act for our sister Mother Earth: our Common Home, joining the canticle of Saint Francis of Assisi: "Praise be to you, oh, my Lord, in all your creatures!" (“Laudato Si, o mio Signore, per tutte le creature”) which is the title of Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Laudato Si”: for an ecological conversion.

USCCB Expresses Gratitude for Restoration of Regulatory Provisions for National Environmental Policy Act

Statement from Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City

On April 19, the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality issued a rule restoring three regulatory provisions implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that were amended under the previous Administration, reinstating the requirement for federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects and giving communities directly impacted by such projects greater input in the approval process. In response, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement:

Action Alert: Support Families and the Environment

Ask Congress to Expand the Child Tax Credit and Invest in the Climate

According to Catholic teaching, the family is "the most basic form of human community," and therefore is "intimately linked" to the long-term future of our nation. The Child Tax Credit is an economic and social policy that supports the strength and stability of family life. Last year, more than 36 million families received a monthly payment through the expanded Child Tax Credit program to help make ends meet. Join us in asking Congress to continue the Child Tax Credit so that our economic and social policies reflect our desire to promote the family.

The call from Pope Francis to address the cry of the earth through sustainable climate investment requires our action. Join us in supporting tax incentives to support existing and emerging technologies in clean energy, resilience investments focused on protecting low-income and minority communities, and incentives to decarbonize the economy. 

See more information and contact your federal officials HERE. The Catholic Conference of Ohio advocates for more support for Ohio families and policies to promote care for our common home. 

Laudato Si' Action Platform

Vatican Launched Platform is a Journey Towards Full Sustainability

The Laudato Si' Action Platform is a Vatican-led initiative aimed to empower the universal Church to achieve total sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology.  The Platform provides tools to assist Catholic intitutions, communities, and families in a multi-year journey to achieve the seven Laudato Si' Goals.  For more about the U.S. Platform efforts visit www.GodsPlanet.us.

Praying for Our Common Home

On September 1, 2021, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.


Pope Francis has called for an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, marking the beginning of the "Season of Creation," which lasts through the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4.

Educational and Promotional Materials

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Grateful to Senate for Passing Infrastructure Bill, Signals Need for Additional Action

Package affects those on the margins of society and protects God’s creation

Following passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the U.S. Senate, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of the Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued a statement of support. 

"...We are pleased that the legislation reflects an integral ecology, with historic investments in public transit, rail, bridges, and clean drinking water, and emphases on climate change mitigation, carbon capture and climate resilience. It is also very good to see expanded broadband internet access and the creation of new jobs..."

Laudato Si' Week Activities

Theme is "Everything is Connected"

Pope Francis encourages the celebration of Laudato Si’ Week from May 16-24.  These dates mark the fifth anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home.  The theme of this nine-day global campaign is “Everything is Connected.”  The Catholic Climate Covenant, which helps US Catholics respond to the Church's call to care for creation and care for the poor, offers resources for parishes and families.

U. S. Bishops Approve Additions to Teaching Document on Political Responsibility

A short introductory letter and five short video scripts approved to supplement "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship"

An introductory letter  addressing current issues of the day and references to the teachings of Pope Francis was approved by USCCB to supplement  the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' existing document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. The letter affirms the "richness" that our faith brings to the public square, and addresses challenges that have become more pronounced:

"Pope Francis has continued to draw attention to important issues such as migration, xenophobia, racism, abortion, global conflict, and care for creation. In the United States and around the world, many challenges demand our attention.

The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed. At the same time, we cannot dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty and the death penalty."

Introductory Letter

Introductory Letter References to Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation Rejoice and Be Glad #25, #101

Controversial Energy Bill Passed

Bill Subsidizes Nuclear Energy; Weakens Renewable Energy Standards

HB 6 is scheduled to take effect on October 22, 2019.  The bill provides subsidies to Ohio's two nuclear plants, as well as two coal powered plants.  It also phases out the state's renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency standards by 2027. Cost reductions are also projected for Ohio rate payers.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio advocated for this legislation to maintain and strengthen Ohio’s commitment to renewable energy, and to address Ohio’s overly restrictive wind setback standards. Wind and solar are among the most viable and least risky clean energy sources today and in the future.

A ballot initiative is underway to repeal this legislation. Should enough signatures be procured, the issue would be placed on the November 2020 ballot.

Ohio House Considers State Budget: HB 166

Action expected by early May

HB 166: State Budget
House Budget Language
Governor's Proposal
LSC Analysis



Catholic Conference of Ohio Budget Backgrounders

Health and Human Services
Defend and Protect Human Life
Promote Care for Creation
Support Families Who Choose Catholic Schools

Catholic Conference of Ohio Page on the State Budget