Catholic college brings Franciscan vision to U.N. climate conference

Published: 2007-09-11

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) -- Personal awareness and local action are critical elements in addressing global climate change, according to speakers at a Sept. 5-7 conference at the United Nations on "Climate Change: How It Impacts Us All." A standing-room-only crowd at a midday workshop Sept. 5 heard representatives from Felician College in Lodi, N.J., describe how they use a multidisciplinary Franciscan model to foster individual responsibility for climate change. "We have to take (St.) Francis out of the birdbath and get beyond the blessing of the animals," said Franciscan Brother Kevin Smith, an associate professor of religious studies. The school's core curriculum "focuses on living the Franciscan vision, which calls each individual to move beyond words into action," he said. "Care of creation is one of the key elements of Catholic social teaching and one which is particularly significant in our Franciscan heritage."

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