I live in the beautiful province of British Columbia. I thank God every day for this precious land and especially for my home on this land overlooking the mighty Fraser River and the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.
"Integral ecology" Here in New Westminster, I have plenty of fresh water to drink. I do not live in fear of drought or the destructive forces of wildfires. And from my perch on a hill high above the Fraser River, spring floods or rising sea levels are not in the forefront of my every day worry for survival. Even though I am in the middle of the Metro Vancouver area, I am blessed to live within walking distance of the Brunette River which is a corridor for bears |
and coyotes, home to salmon, and birds and other creatures that feed upon that salmon. I do live in a paradise here on earth.
Filled with gratitude, I am still aware and do understand that my choices, in my comfortable home, in my thriving city, in the beautiful province of British Columbia can affect the lives of those around the world. We are all part of God’s creation and are so intricately connected.
Filled with gratitude, I am still aware and do understand that my choices, in my comfortable home, in my thriving city, in the beautiful province of British Columbia can affect the lives of those around the world. We are all part of God’s creation and are so intricately connected.
In Development and Peace Share Lent Resources 2020, a reflection on integral ecology, reminds us that God is in all Creation. “When you step out onto the pavement in the morning, do you ever consider what is beneath your feet? Is it possible that under the layers of concrete, we can feel the beating heart of the land? The land which gives life to the trees which provide the oxygen we breathe, that nourishes the gardens that provide our food, and which sustains the homes that give us shelter? Is it possible to see the face of God, Creator of the land, air, water, moon and sun, and of all the universal elements that connect us to each of our sisters and brothers living in our common home? In today’s modern world, we can easily forget that the car we are driving, the cell phone we are using and the sneakers we are wearing all derive from the natural resources that God created. Too often, however, these natural resources are taken from the lands of others and not shared equitably. In addition, the unsustainable use of these resources — spurred by our overconsumption — has triggered our current climate |
crisis. As a consequence, millions of people live in poverty, experience hunger and climate disasters, have their ancestral lands stolen and desecrated, and are denied their integral human development.
With this reflection, we invite you to begin the journey towards an integral ecology, which “calls for openness to categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology, and take us to the heart of what it is to be human.” (Laudato Si’, 11) Together, let us experience the ecological conversion that incites us all to care for our common home.” |
I understand that burning natural gas to heat my home, my church, and my office building is adding CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. The gasoline I use to fuel my hybrid car also contributes to CO2 emissions. Those emissions are adding to the greenhouse gasses that are stoking climate change which is having the greatest adverse effect on the poorer countries and peoples on the earth. | How can I reconcile – restore right relationship with God’s creation and God’s people? Again, in response to the understanding that we are all connected, I want to engage with my brothers and sisters in care for our common home. |
A Multi-Faith Discussion on the Climate Emergency
On Sunday March 15th, I will be a table facilitator in a Multi-Faith Dialogue on the Climate Emergency at Temple Sholom, in partnership with the City of Vancouver’s Sustainability Team.
On Sunday March 15th, I will be a table facilitator in a Multi-Faith Dialogue on the Climate Emergency at Temple Sholom, in partnership with the City of Vancouver’s Sustainability Team.
The event will begin with small-group discussions exploring various faiths’ texts related to our responsibility to tend to nature and the planet. The topic will then be explored further in a panel discussion moderated by CBC Radio’s Stephen Quinn and featuring Rabbi Dan Moskovitz, Imam Mohammad Shujaath Ali, Sister Maria Serra Garcia, FSE, and Dr. Suresh Kurl (from the Hindu community).
Finally, attendees will be given the opportunity, again in small group discussions, to provide feedback to help shape the City of Vancouver’s proposed bold actions to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, and at the same time, learn about actions individuals can take to lessen their own impact. Feedback collected will help shape the Climate Emergency Action Plan that will be presented to Vancouver City Council in October 2020. I am very excited to meet with peoples of all faiths in this action to care for our creation.
Finally, attendees will be given the opportunity, again in small group discussions, to provide feedback to help shape the City of Vancouver’s proposed bold actions to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, and at the same time, learn about actions individuals can take to lessen their own impact. Feedback collected will help shape the Climate Emergency Action Plan that will be presented to Vancouver City Council in October 2020. I am very excited to meet with peoples of all faiths in this action to care for our creation.
Dear Lord, I pray for the grace to undergo the ‘ecological conversion’ needed to overcome consumerism and heal my relationship with creation and the poor; for the strength and wisdom to make necessary lifestyle changes that place others before myself; for the courage to raise my voice in the public sphere and to support advocacy efforts that are responding to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor, and for encouragement for all peoples who struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen. |