The livesimply project is based on a radical idea: that God calls us to live simply.  We are asked to look hard at our lifestyles, and to choose to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor.  It's not just about money. It's a challenge to reflect, celebrate and take action in order to work for justice, and to be happier in ourselves as a result. It's about seeking what we need rather than grasping for more, sharing not hoarding.
"You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor, but you are giving them back what is theirs… The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich." St Ambrose

How did it start?
The idea for livesimply comes from a prophetic document, written by Pope Paul VI.  "On the Development of Peoples" (Populorum Progressio) explains what the Church was saying about the growing poverty and injustice of the developing world.  Written in 1967, the messages are still loud and clear: "God intended the earth and everything in it for the use of all human beings and peoples." It's a call for us to live a new kind of life, in solidarity with the community, motivated by faith.

 

Over several years the Catholic community has been asked to respond to the livesimply challenge by making Promises: in J&P and parish groups, in youth and Confirmation groups, and as tutor groups and whole schools.  Last year the livesimply network members were asked to think of ideas for social justice that would make a difference to our world.

 

This initiative encourages communities everywhere to take action for justice. Any community can get involved, large or small, from the flower-arrangers and altar servers at church to school tutor groups and religious.

 

Challenges range from "Saying Grace" to "Form an Environmental Plan" to "Pray about Homelessness" to "Eating Simply".

 

Click here to find out more: http://www.livesimply.org.uk/