Introduction: Two book launches were held this fall for Living with limits, living well! Hints for neighbours on an endangered planet  One in Toronto at the Mary Ward Center for the English version, and one in Montreal at the Jesuit Centre Justice et Foi for the French version.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“If everyone in the world consumed at the same rate as Canada, our Ecological Footprint would require 3.62 planets.” This alarming factoid is one of many throughout the new Canadian resource now available through the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).

Living with limits, living well! Hints for neighbours on an endangered planet is a wonderful publication intended for people concerned with the condition of our beleaguered world.  Its authors are Bill Ryan, SJ and Janet Somerville with Anne O'Brien, gsic and Anne-Marie Jackson, the Director of the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice. In its forward, Archbishop Paul-André Durocher, President of the CCCB, fittingly describes this work as “a sign of hope in our world.”

The book is intended to challenge the reader to re-think what has become normative with respect to the economy, the environment, and the interrelationship of people. It is written for audiences of faith who are willing to delve into matters that can no longer be brushed aside. It gives a general overview of seven themes, each one of which poses questions about Living with limits, living well!

In workbook style, it lays out suggested instructions about how to use it for small group discussion, though it is also suitable for personal reflection. Those for whom the material would be useful is diverse – from parishes, schools, justice and peace committees to universities, unions, and workplaces. The content is general enough that it can be easily understood. It does not require participants to be economists, environmental scientists, or theologians, it shares facts, insights, quotes from experts, comments from faith and cultural leaders, and is presented in an accessible manner that enlightens and educates.

Each section ends with thought provoking questions to encourage discussion. More importantly though, it evokes self-reflection, and challenges the reader to follow up to the degree he or she feels compelled to in order to come to an authentic understanding of her or his own personal stance. This will hopefully ultimately lead to individuals making changes, and may encourage advocacy about issues and actions to effect an even broader change.

From the fracking controversy to the wisdom of the likes of Thich Nhat Hanh, Pope Francis, and Hildegard of Bingen, this little gem of a workbook is most of all an invitation to all of us to consider how we can live as “neighbours on an endangered planet.” The Most Reverend Ronald Fabbro, CSB, the Bishop of London wrote about the workbook saying, “It is another fine example of the quality of presentation and research that we have come to expect from the Jesuit Forum. My intention is to place one of these workbooks in each of our parishes in the Diocese of London.” He adds “individual parish councils will receive this resource and provide leadership by facilitating study groups in their respective parishes”.

The Forum’s next publication, due out later this fall, is an educational workbook that supports Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel”. It is intended for wide-ranging audience, looking for insight into the practical application of Pope Francis’ vision.