Encounter GA is a non-partisan and faith-based Catholic advocacy organization building relationships with legislators to support climate solutions for Georgia and beyond.
We are the Georgia Chapter of the Catholic Climate Covenant's Encounter for Our Common Home Campaign and the “Advocacy Wing” of the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Laudato Si Action Plan.
Our Advocacy Priorities
Conservation
We advocate for priorities that promote conservation, recognizing that all of creation is a sacred gift entrusted to our care. As stewards of the natural world, we are called to protect biodiversity, preserve ecosystems, and ensure that our land, water, and wildlife are safeguarded for both present and future generations. Caring for creation is an essential part of our moral responsibility, reflecting our respect for God’s handiwork and our solidarity with all living beings.
Climate Change
We advocate for priorities that address climate change, understanding that the degradation of our environment threatens both the earth and the well-being of vulnerable communities. We support policies that address carbon pollution, transition to clean energy, and build resilience to environmental challenges. Our faith calls us to act with urgency and justice, recognizing as Pope Francis has said that the climate crisis is not just an ecological issue but also a moral one, requiring us to protect both people and the planet.
Sustainability
We advocate for priorities that advance sustainability, affirming that the well-being of humanity and the health of the environment are deeply interconnected. Sustainable development must be rooted in justice, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of people’s dignity or the earth’s resources. By promoting policies and practices that balance human needs with environmental responsibility, we seek to build a future where both communities and creation can thrive in harmony.
Environmental Justice
We advocate for environmental justice, recognizing that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are deeply intertwined. The degradation of our natural world disproportionately harms the poor, elderly, and disabled within our society. Our faith calls us to uphold the dignity of all people by addressing environmental harm, ensuring equitable access to clean air, water, and land, and advocating for policies that protect both the planet and the most vulnerable.
Encounter GA presentation at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Atlanta, GA.
Our Encounter GA Team can facilitate an advocacy workshop at your Georgia parish to explore strategies for protecting our common home. Discover how the See-Judge-Act framework and Catholic Social Teaching can guide environmental advocacy in your community. Gain practical ideas you can implement, such as planting a garden, adding rooftop solar, or reaching out to legislators at the local, state, and federal levels.
Host an Advocacy Workshop at your Parish
The “Faith and Sustainability” podcast, produced by the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Laudato Si Initiative, explores the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship. Hosted by Leonard Robinson, the series features weekly discussions with environmental experts and influential faith community members, offering insights on caring for our common home. The podcast aims to inspire and educate listeners on integrating sustainable practices within their faith traditions
Faith and Sustainability Podcast
Echoes of Creation Blog
News, articles, and updates from Encounter GA
The Letter: Laudato Si’ documentary
In 2015, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’ (The Letter); an encyclical about the environmental crisis to every single person in the world. This documentary shares the story of four individuals from Senegal, the Amazon, India, and Hawaii as they bring perspective and solutions from the poor, the indigenous, the youth, and wildlife into a conversation with Pope Francis.