Books and Reports

Text resources produced by the Columbans or in collaboration with others.


  • Book - Passion for the earth

    Passion for the Earth

    By Sean McDonagh

    Sean focuses on the fact that modern economic patterns of production, distribution, consumption, trade and development are taxing and even breaching the regenerative capacity of the biosphere.

  • Book - The greening of the church

    The Greening of the Church

    By Sean McDonagh

    Sean unpacked some of the theological and pastoral implications of his earlier passionate appeal to the church to respond to the ecological crisis facing the Earth.

  • Book - To care for the earth

    To Care for the Earth

    By Sean McDonagh

    Sean’s experience in the Philippines as a missionary priest alerted him to the danger that threatens the Earth in terms of an environmental catastrophe. Awareness of the crisis has grown, and many groups call for profound changes in the way human beings relate to the natural world. Sean notes that Christian churches have been slow to give a lead in this crucial area, and examines some of the reasons why.

  • Terminator seeds

    Unless the grain of wheat shall die

    By Sean McDonagh & Donal Dorr

    The moral and theological case against Terminator seeds

  • Book - Patenting Life - Stop!

    Patenting Life? Stop!: Is Corporate Greed Forcing Us to Eat Genetically Engineered Food?

    By Sean McDonagh

    The question arises: is corporate greed forcing us to eat genetically engineered foods? This book argued that transnational corporations are promoting biotechnology in agriculture even though many independent scientists have genuine fears about the safety of foods produced by current genetic engineering technology.

  • Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture For beginners (2001)

    Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture For beginners (2001)

    Published by Columban Justice and Peace

    This cartoon-illustrated booklet reproduces a publication of the Masipag organic farmers of the Philippines.

    These farmers have been increasingly concerned about the presence of genetically modified crops and related products.

  • Book - Our earth our home

    Our Earth, Our Home – Green Assemblies for Key Stage 1-2

    By Ellen Teague

    These assemblies, for primary age children, aim to help them understand their relationship with the environment as part of the web of life, and to develop respect for other species and natural resources.

    They also create awareness about climate change and the need for a healthy and fruitful environment for livelihoods and health of human society in every part of the world. Designed to be presented by the children, they are easily adjustable to suit both the very young and slightly older, and incorporate arts, crafts, dance and mime. There are suggestions for images to display during each assembly, youtube clip ideas and activities for follow up.

  • Book - Becoming a green christian

    Becoming a Green Christian

    By Ellen Teague

    It seems like everyone is “going green”. What about joining them? This booklet will help individuals to do just that.

    There are many different ways to be a little greener, such as recycling, cycling to work, reusing plastic bags, and reducing food miles. Even growing your own fruits and vegetables is making a comeback among young families, and children have fun doing it. Working together to be more environmentally responsible in parishes and schools can be rewarding for church communities too. 


  • Book - Paint the church green

    Paint the Church Green – A group course

    By Ellen Teague

    This guide enables church groups to explore the relationship between faith and concern for the natural world. By highlighting environmental issues, unsustainable development and the link with global poverty, it prompts reflection on western lifestyle and makes suggestions for change.

    Paint the Church Green features six session agendas: People and Planet, Food and Drink, Battling the Elements, Energy for the Future, Abundant Life, and Covenant with Creation.

  • Book - Between the flood and the rainbow cover

    Between the Flood and the Rainbow: Climate Change and the Church’s Social Teaching

    By Ellen Teague and Operation Noah

    A study guide on climate change based on key themes of Catholic Social Teaching. It is intended for study and reflection in parishes and beyond.

    The guide, written by Ellen Teague, contains agendas for six meetings with accompanying appendices, reflection and action sheets, reading sheets, plus a Prayers and Liturgies section.