A Position of the Carmelite NGO on Climate Change
The Spiritual Pathway to a Sustainable Environment

A statement from the Carmelite NGO on our position on climate change. Written by Eduardo Agosta Scarel, O. Carm., the paper was discussed and approved by the Carmelite NGO's Coordinating Committee and has been endorsed by a number of organization and individuals of faith.

Copies of the statement are available online in English, Spanish, and Indonesian. Written copies in those three languages may be obtained from our office in New Orleans, Louisiana.
 

The Catholic Church begins each year with World Day of Peace, a day set aside for prayer and reflection. In this year's address, Pope Benedict XVI asks that the coming year be marked concretely by justice and peace. He specifically asks that young people be educated in justice and peace, first by the parents as well as by formal educational institutions and teachers. He speaks to political leaders and the media as well, reminding them of their role in education.

The pope concludes asking that everyone look to the future with greater hope, to encourage each other on our journey, to work together to give our world a more humane and fraternal face, and to feel a common responsibility towards present and future generations, especially in the task of training them to be people of peace and builders of peace.

ENGLISH | SPANISH | ITALIAN
 

OTHER VATICAN-CARMELITE NGO RELATED ITEMS
 

September 3-5, 2011 - Bonn, Germany
Sustainable Societies--
Responsible Citizens

The theme of the meeting revolved around citizens and NGO involvements in creating and maintaining various aspects of sustainable societies for the benefit of mankind and the planet: economical, cultural and environmental. Some subthemes were on environmental sustainability, green manufacturing and commerce, transparent governance, grassroots activism, and limiting personal carbon footprints.

The Conference also provided:

• A valuable network-building opportunity.
• Opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences between the NGOs, diverse experts, and organizations working on sustainable societies.
• Approaches to enhance their activities through participation in:
  • Roundtable discussions
  • Interactive dialogues
  • Workshops
  • as well as other activities

More information about both meetings is available in the December 2011 issue of CarmeNGO
 

World Environment Day of Prayer - June 5, 2012
Rainforests: Resources for Life

Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth's land surface; now they cover a mere 6%. Estimates are that the remaining forests could disappear in less than 40 years. Yet approximately 80% of the developed world's diet originates in the tropical rainforests. Some 70% of the plants that are active against cancer cells are found in the rainforest. Preserving the rainforest intact and harvesting its many plants has a greater economic impact than if they were cut down to make grazing land and its timber used.

This June 5th, the Carmelite NGO encourages reflection and prayer on this environmental reality.

This World Day of Prayer is one of twice annual days of prayer and reflection that are sponsored by the Carmelite NGO.

Please feel free to download the booklet or write to our New Orleans office for copies.

DOWNLOAD BOOKLET
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
 

-- Reflection Papers --
Inspirations for the Carmelites
in Their Work for Social Justice

Spirituality, the Carmelite Charism, and the Word of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation
         by Micael O'Neill, O. Carm.

Mary the Prophet: Mary as an Inspiration in the Work for Justice
         by Joseph Chalmers, O. Carm.

Carmelite Community and the Work of Justice and Peace
          by Dionysius Kosasih, O. Carm.

Murdering Naboth: Elijah Attends a Meeting of the Carmelite NGO
          by Craig Morrison, O. Carm.

What is the Carmelite NGO All About?

We have published a new 8 page booklet which explains in some detail the goals and activities of the Carmelite NGO, including our participation in the United Nations conferences and workshops.

DOWNLOAD THE BOOKLET (PDF FORMAT)

In order to further facilitate communication about the Carmelite NGO's activities at the United Nations, we are establishing a blog. This will allow you to keep updated on the many meetings, workshops, and other activities that the Carmelite NGO is involved in around the globe and within the UN itself.

CARMELITE NGO UPDATE BLOG
 

   Ask where the United Nations is located and most people will answer "New York." In fact the United Nations is a system of offices and departments located throughout the world.
   The map which is linked below shows the major offices of this huge organization. Now if they would only develop a listing of all the abbreviations used in the organization! However, click on any of the abbreviations and the homepage of that UN organization will open for you.

PRINCIPLE OFFICES OF THE UNITED NATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

CURRENT ISSUE  |  ALL BACK ISSUES

The men and women of the Carmelite Family-- men and women of the Carmelite Order and its affiliated Congregations and Institutes-- sponsor the Carmelite NGO. The Carmelite NGO, through its affiliation with the United Nations, provides access to the resources of that organization as well as allows the members of the United Nations to benefit from the various ministries of the Carmelites worldwide.

The Carmelite NGO was affiliated to the United Nations in December 2001. We are currently under consideration for ECOSOC status.

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