The first comprehensive response of its kind to Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment was released in hard copy and online on Tuesday 4 August 2015.
Comprising authors from various backgrounds and sectors, The Francis Effect II: Praised Be You – On Care for our Common Home has been developed by three Catholic agencies in response to Pope Francis’ groundbreaking Laudato Si’, which was released in June this year.
Already over 500 pre-orders have been received for The Francis Effect II, which was developed collaboratively by Catholic Religious Australia, Catholic Earthcare Australia and Catholic Mission. It aims to inform Catholic leaders on the latest teachings of the Church.
Catholic Mission Deputy National Director and co-editor Peter Gates says the diversity of perspectives is what makes The Francis Effect II so compelling. ‘All of the chapters in The Francis Effect II are contributed by authors that understand the relationship between nature, people and God, and the interconnectedness of creation,’ said Mr Gates.
Among the fourteen individual contributors are renowned Catholic leaders, including eco-theologian Professor Denis Edwards, Catholic Earthcare Director Jacqui Rémond, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council Chairperson Thelma Parker, and Lend Lease National Sustainability Manager – Building, Ann Austin.
‘The book’s chapters draw on the teachings of Laudato Si’ and offer critical reflections with insightful perspectives from Indigenous peoples; youth; health and aged care; social services; education; parish life; family; business; governance; and theology,’ says Ms Rémond, who also co-edited the book.
The much-anticipated Laudato Si’ was considered by many to be the strongest pontifical action on the environment and climate change yet. The Francis Effect II, with its expert analysis, allows readers to explore the themes of the encyclical and its implications for the local Australian and global community.
The book is the second release in the series, following the Francis Effect: Living the Joy of the Gospel – the first worldwide response to Pope Francis’ 2013 exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.
In coming months, colloquiums will be held around Australia, providing an opportunity for Australians to come together and reflect on both The Francis Effect II and the teachings of the encyclical.
The Francis Effect II can be purchased and read online at shop.cm.org.au. For more information on The Francis Effect II: Praised Be You – On Care for our Common Home, or the colloquiums, please visit thefranciseffectii.com.
For media enquiries, please contact Matthew Poynting on 02 9919 7800 or Katie McSweeney on 0404 145 962.