In this episode, Ben Yosua-Davis speaks with Jose Aguto, a passionate advocate for climate action deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. Together, they explore the intersection of moral responsibility, theology, and the Catholic Church’s response to the climate crisis.

Grounding:

This episode begins with a reading from Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, written by Pope Francis, emphasizing the moral imperative to address climate change. The reading, shared by Peterson Toscano and Madeline Bugeau-Heartt, highlights humanity’s collective responsibility to care for creation and the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues.

Main Conversation:

Jose Aguto discusses his transition from secular policy work to faith-based advocacy for climate action, reflecting on how his Catholic faith provides moral grounding for addressing the climate crisis. He examines the significant influence of Pope Francis’ encyclicals, Laudato Si and Laudate Deum, and their call for ecological conversion and systemic change.

Key themes include:

• The role of moral and spiritual leadership in mobilizing communities.
• The challenges and opportunities within the American Catholic Church compared to global contexts.
• Inspiring stories of dioceses committing to net-zero emissions and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Practical advice for initiating climate conversations that resonate across divides.

Next Steps:

• Engage in Lectio Terra: Reflect on scripture and nature through this contemplative spiritual practice. Learn more.
• Join the Catholic Climate Covenant: Stay updated with news and resources. Visit their website.
• Support Climate Organizations: Explore directories of faith-based and regional climate justice organizations, such as:
  • Blessed Tomorrow’s Directory (PDF)
  • Bentley University’s Climate Justice List
• Promote Philanthropy: Consider regular donations to local or global climate initiatives.

Additional Resources:

• Katharine Hayhoe’s TED Talk: Saving Us
• Collective Honesty and Complicated Hope: An Evening with Katharine Hayhoe, an event held by The BTS Center in May 2024
• Books: Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe and Singing the Psalms With My Son by Wilson Dickinson.
• Laudato Si and Laudate Deum

Jose Aguto is a seasoned advocate for climate action with over two decades of experience in legal and policy positions. Formerly the Associate Director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, he has worked to promote ecological conversion within the Catholic Church. His career includes roles at the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the National Congress of American Indians. Jose’s work emphasizes the integration of faith, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

Connect with the Catholic Climate Covenant

In this episode, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff examine the evolving role of chaplains in a climate-changed world. They are joined by author, chaplain, and grief circle facilitator Terry LePage, as well as Rev. Alison Cornish, coordinator of The BTS Center's Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative. Together, they explore how chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support amidst environmental crises, foster resilience, and address ecological grief.

Grounding:

Rev. Alison Cornish begins with a grounding reflection centered on a personal story about a tree near her home that was cut down. Alison explains how this ritual of acknowledgment and grief mirrors chaplaincy practices of care, presence, and connection to the more-than-human world.

Main Conversation:

Ben and Nicole engage Terry LePage and Alison Cornish in a conversation about chaplaincy in a climate-changed world.

Terry LePage:

Terry shares insights from her book Eye of the Storm: Facing Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage. She introduces concepts such as the "Collapse-Aware" framework and "Islands of Compassion," which she attributes to Margaret Wheatley's "Islands of Sanity." Terry also highlights her work with the Deep Adaptation Forum, which fosters spaces for resilience and grief processing in the face of climate uncertainty.

Alison Cornish:

Alison outlines key skills chaplains bring to a climate-conscious world, including trauma-informed care, meaning-making, and support for communities navigating ecological grief and displacement. She underscores the importance of chaplains as spiritual guides during times of environmental upheaval.

Next Steps:

Here are some ways listeners can engage further:

• Join a Grief Circle: Learn how to host or join a grief circle using tools from Terry’s book, Eye of the Storm.
• Explore Deep Adaptation: Visit the Deep Adaptation Forum for resources on resilience and climate-related challenges.
• Learn About Collapse Readiness: Read Professor Jem Bendell's reflections on societal collapse and recovery.
• Engage with The BTS Center: Explore the Lament with Earth Series for reflections on ecological grief and faith-based responses.

Additional Resources:

• Beyond Climate War: Writings on Deep Adaptation to Societal Collapse
• Margaret Wheatley: Islands of Sanity
• Lament with Earth series at The BTS Center
• Professor Jim Bendell: Thoughts on Collapse Readiness and Recovery: I was wrong to conclude that collapse was inevitable.
• Beyond Climate War: Writings on Deep Adaptation to societal collapse.

Meet Guest(s):

Guest bio with social media links + headshot

Terry LePage Terry LePage is the author of Eye of the Storm: Facing Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage. She facilitates grief circles and teaches nonviolent communication practices through the Deep Adaptation Forum.

Rev. Alison Cornish Rev. Alison Cornish is the coordinator of the Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative at the BTS Center. She is a seasoned faith leader with a background in environmental advocacy and interfaith work.