SJU signs pledge in Catholic Climate Covenant

Saint John's University recently became a Catholic Climate Covenant Partner by endorsing the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor, a nationwide effort being led by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change.

The pledge is a commitment by Catholic individuals, families, parishes, organizations and institutions to live the faith by protecting God's creation and advocating on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impacts of global climate change.

Five other colleges and universities nationally have signed the pledge, including the College of Saint Benedict.

"I am pleased to sign the St. Francis Pledge on behalf of Saint John's because it is very much in keeping with our mission and the Benedictine value of stewardship," said Fr. Bob Koopmann, OSB, SJU president. "The pledge reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainable practices that affect not only our campus but also the world around us."

The St. Francis Pledge is a key piece of the Catholic Climate Covenant, a group of over 40 national Catholic organizational partners, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Health Association of the U.S.A. and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.

By supporting the pledge, Catholic Climate Covenant partners agree to pray, to learn about and educate others on climate change, to assess their own environmental impact, to act to reduce the ways they contribute to climate change and to advocate for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.

"Saint John's supports the pledge because we see it as an extension of our efforts on climate change so far," said Nick Moe, SJU sustainability fellow. "Our rich Benedictine heritage of prayer, justice, peace, education and stewardship clearly aligns with the pledge's call to pray, learn, assess, act and advocate. Knowing that we are part of a wider community of faith on this issue strengthens our resolve to continue our progress."