Just as the climate crisis affects everyone, we all can work together toward planet-size solutions, says Catholic theologian and author Erin Lothes, Ph.D.
Lothes will highlight the critical importance of transitioning rapidly to renewable, peaceful energy and practical steps we can take to engage communities working for change during her virtual presentation, “Peaceful Energy For Renewing the Earth,” 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.
She’ll share insights and resources from Laudato Si’ – Pope Francis’ encyclical calling for care of the natural environment and all people – as well as other aspects of the Christian tradition focused on care of creation.
This program is offered by the Tri-State Network, a coalition of congregations of women religious in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin who focus on peace, justice, and spirituality. The Franciscan Peace Center, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, is part of this network.
Cost to participate is $10. Registration is requested by Sept. 16; please visit www.prairiewoods.org or call 319-395-6700. A Zoom link will be sent by email upon registration.
Options to gather in person to watch and discuss the presentation are available at Benet House Retreat Center in Rock Island, Illinois, and Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, Iowa.
Lothes is the author of "Inspired Sustainability: Planting Seeds for Action" (Orbis, 2016) and "The Paradox of Christian Sacrifice: The Loss of Self, The Gift of Self" (Herder and Herder, 2007), as well as many articles on faith-based environmentalism, divestment, and energy ethics. She was an associate professor of theology for a decade and is now senior manager of the Laudato Si’ Animators Program with the Laudato Si’ Movement. She has been a longtime collaborator with many faith-based environmental coalitions, such as the Catholic Climate Covenant, GreenFaith, the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale, and the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, where she is presently a visiting scholar. Most recently, she has written a commentary to introduce the Orbis Books paper publication of Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum.
The Franciscan Peace Center, established by the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, provides meaningful programming that addresses systemic issues integrating spirituality with the mission of promoting nonviolence and advocating for social justice, including immigration reform and human rights.