Catholic Environment Leader's Visit
Bishop Chris Toohey - a world leader in Catholic awareness and action on the environment - is visiting the UK this September. His visit culminates in the launch of ‘Sound of Many Waters’ at Clifton Cathedral in Bristol on Saturday 29 September.
‘Sound of Many Waters’ is series of events run by the Cathedral parish community and supported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. It explores the need to care for our environment drawing upon Catholic teachings, insights and networks.
Mary Colwell, the inspiration behind ‘Sound of Many Waters’ and has organised the bishop’s tour. She said, “In Australia, Bishop Chris works alongside politicians, scientists, environmental groups and a wide range of other communities to help promote environmental responsibility, adding a spiritual dimension to what is a huge social and political challenge.
“Bishop Chris is a passionate and engaging speaker. His concern is grounded in theological reflection. His visit will be a wonderful opportunity to share his experiences of bringing together Catholicism and the environmental movement.
“Bishop Chris will lead a discussion in the House of Commons, meet with staff at Catholic aid agency CAFOD, as well as speak at public events and visit schools.”
Bishop Chris will talk with Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh; Archbishop Mario Conti, of Glasgow; Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool; Dr Jonathan Sacks the Chief Rabbi; and the Anglican bishops Richard Chartres of London and James Jones of Liverpool. There will also be visits to the Benedictine communities at Downside and Ampleforth as well as a public event in St Marie’s Cathedral in the Hallam Diocese.
Only a few days ago, Pope Benedict XVI was reported as saying, “In dialogue with Christians of various churches, we need to commit ourselves to caring for the created world, without squandering its resources, and sharing them in a cooperative way.”
Bishop Chris said, “It’s a great honour to be invited to make a contribution to Church in the UK’s exploration of the environmental situation we face. We’re all part of the human family and if any insight and some of the learning we’ve experienced here can be shared, it will be fantastic.”
Bishop Toohey’s public events
Wednesday 12 September
7.00 pm
Renfield St Stephen’s, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Earthcare - The Celebration and Challenge of the Natural World with Archbishop Mario Conti and Mary Colwell
Further information from Father Chris Boles SJ 0131 228 6621
Thursday 13 September
7.00 pm
The Lauriston Centre, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DJ
Earthcare - The Celebration and Challenge of the Natural World with Mary Colwell
Further information from Father Chris Boles SJ 0131 228 6621
Sunday 16 September
10.30 am
Celebrates Mass
Westminster Cathedral, London SW1P 1QW
Wednesday 19 September
7.00 pm
St Marie’s Cathedral, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB
Facing the Challenge - Faith and the Environment with Mary Colwell
Further information from Hallam Justice and Peace Commission 0114 234 3580
Sunday 23 September
9.30 am
Celebrates Mass
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH
Sunday 23 September
5.00 pm
Mount Street Jesuit Centre, 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH
Responding to Something Greater than Ourselves - Faith and the Natural World
Further information from Lynne Galloway 020 7495 1673
Saturday 29 September
6.00 pm
Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, Bristol BS8 3BX
Helps launch Sound of Many Waters
