The NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice in Washington, D.C., has announced a $2 million gift from the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) in support of climate justice advocacy efforts.

The funding includes $500,000 in support of the organization’s 50th anniversary endowment fund campaign and $1.5 million to help expand NETWORK’s ministry into the climate justice area. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the expansion was a result of NETWORK’s recent strategic planning process, as well as ongoing calls from women’s religious communities and other climate advocacy organizations.

“Because our environmental and social crises are so inextricably intertwined, NETWORK is answering the call from women’s religious communities to pick up climate justice advocacy explicitly grounded in the integral ecology approach of [the Vatican’s] Laudato si’ [climate-related efforts],” said NETWORK executive director Mary J. Novak. “The generous support and partnership of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration enables us to expand our mission.” 

“As FSPA, we have committed to the seven-year Laudato si’ Action platform journey to intensify actions for greater social and environmental justice,” said FSPA president Sue Ernster. “In our efforts to educate, advocate, and act for the healing and care of all, we consider this partnership with NETWORK an opportunity to collaborate in advocacy for the systemic changes that are needed to face the enormous challenge of climate change.” 

(Phot credit: Getty Images/FG Trade)