Ecological Working Group

Diocese of Richmond, Richmond VA

The Ecological Working Group of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond was formed in 1990 to help Catholics and all people of faith integrate ecological values and concerns into their congregations and daily lives. They have undertaken efforts to raise awareness such as mailing a brochure in advance of Christmas to parishes, religious educators, and justice and peace ministers to facilitate faithful reflections on the connection of the Earth, simplicity, and the season in the hype of more commercialized pressures of Christmas. A second brochure, “Living in Harmony,” has been mailed around Earth Day, along with an “Ecological Checklist for Parishes” to help parishes measure their care for creation.

EWG has created a “Confirmation and Creation” lesson for teachers, initiated a St. Francis Ecological Award to be given yearly, builds membership in the Ecological Network of Sowers of Justice, and maintains an email list to keep members informed of important ecological issues.