RE AT1`

Climate Change

Refers to the long-term shift in climate and weather patterns caused by human activity, leading to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, destruction of ecosystems, and socio-economic decline of vulnerable communities.

Values underpinning Climate Change

Stewardship of creation, the common good, preferential option for the poor, and protecting future generations.

Relevant Scripture quote for Climate Change

Genesis 2:15 – 'The Lord… put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it.' We are stewards of creation and responsible for caring for the Earth.

Catechism of the Catholic Church on environmental care

CCC 2415 – 'The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation… with concern for the quality of life of generations to come.' Environmental care is a moral responsibility.

Pope Francis on Climate Change

Laudato Si', 23 – 'The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.' We should protect the environment, especially for the vulnerable.

USCCB on Climate Change

USCCB, 2014 – “It is about the future of God's creation and… protecting both 'the human environment' and the natural environment.” We must act to protect them.

Pope Francis on wealthy nations' responsibility

The Catholic Weekly, May 22, 2024 – 'Climate change at this moment is a road to death… Wealthy nations bear responsibility for the problem.'

Abortion

Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy after conceptionending the life of an unborn child. It involves the removal of the embryo or fetus through medical or surgical procedures, such as abortion pills (medication abortion) or dilation and curettage (surgical abortion).

Values underpinning Abortion

Sanctity of life, human dignity, and humans made in the image and likeness of God.

Relevant Scripture quote for Abortion

Exodus 20:13 – 'You shall not murder.' This reflects the Catholic stance that abortion is morally wrong.

Catechism of the Catholic Church on abortion

“Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.” (CCC 2270) Abortion is a violation of human dignity.

Pope John Paul II, 1995 on abortion

Evangelium Vitae, 57. – 'The direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always gravely immoral.'

National Catholic Register

“Precisely in the era of universal human rights, there cannot be a ‘right’ to take a human life,” National Catholic Register, Vatican on France’s Abortion Amendment,March 5 2024.

Archbishop of Brisbane on abortion

AoB, Archbishop on Abortion pills, Feb 13, 2017 – 'The Church’s position is genuinely pro-woman. Women are damaged by abortion.' He argues it harms women spiritually.