Faith at the Summit – Christianity and Climate

What role can Christianity — and specifically the Franciscan tradition — play in the global fight against climate change? In this conversation recorded on December 14, 2009, Mark Dowd speaks with a Franciscan brother to explore this question in depth. Drawing on the Franciscan order’s deep-rooted reverence for creation, exemplified by St. Francis of Assisi’s own legacy of environmental stewardship, the discussion examines how Christian theology and monastic tradition can inform meaningful climate action.

The Franciscan brother offers insight into how faith communities, particularly those with a historical emphasis on simplicity and care for nature, are uniquely positioned to contribute moral leadership to the climate conversation. Recorded during a pivotal period of international climate negotiations, this conversation captures an important moment of interfaith and theological reflection on humanity’s responsibility toward the environment.