Sacha Bermudez-Goldman, SJ

Below is a series of online links of some possible resources that may be useful in commemorating WED in our ministries, and even beyond WED.

Uniting Justice is a collection of resources for worship and education, including theological reflection, homily starters, and liturgical resources.

The Earth Bible develops ecojustice principles and provides a responsible forum and publishing venue for interpreting the Bible from the perspective of the Earth.

The Season of Creation provides a collection of environment-related visuals and images which are great for Powerpoint presentations, and guidelines to help prepare a liturgy.

The Eco-Justice Ministries has a really good section on worship  with some very practical ideas.

Of course, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its world environment page includes some good statistics about forests. For example, the webpage states that forests cover 31% of total land area while at the same time supports 80% of terrestrial biodiversity that live in them. Beyond supporting the natural habitat, forests sustain economic growth. In 2004, trade in forest products was estimated at $327 billion. Rather shockingly, 36 million acres of natural forest are lost each year. There is also a section on "What can you do?" to make others aware of forest issues.

There are also some "general" Reconciliation with Creation resources, such as:

Eco Catholic, National Catholic Reporter explores the green Catholic imagination and ecological spirituality.

Environmental Science for Social Change is a Jesuit research institute that promotes environmental sustainability and social justice through the integration of scientific methodologies and social processes.

Jesuit Conference Asia Pacific/Reconciliation with Creation intends to help develop mature and fitting expressions of the work on environment and natural resources that are rooted in the programs and initiatives of the Society of Jesus in Asia Pacific. The Jesuit Conference Asia Pacific (JCAP) implements the programs in collaboration with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) and the Social Ministries.

Ecology and Jesuits in Communication is a monthly newsletter initiated by OCIPE (Jesuit European Office) and JCAP and seeks to sustain a greater awareness of Jesuit people in ecology and advocacy efforts. The communication is presently in Spanish and English striving to be open to all who share in the vision.

Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman is the Australia Province's Delegate for Social Ministries. Previous to this appointment, he served as the Director of Jesuit Refugee Service.