As the leaders of the Catholic Church in Alaska, we welcome with joy and thanksgiving the Holy Father's much-awaited encyclical, "Laudato Si: On the Care of Our Common Home," which was made public Thursday in Rome.
At the heart of "Laudato si," we find this question: "What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?" (150) Pope Francis continues: "This question does not have to do with the environment alone and in isolation; the issue cannot be approached piecemeal." This leads us to ask ourselves about the meaning of existence and its values at the base of social life: "What is the purpose of our life in this world? Why are we here? What is the goal of our work and all our efforts? What need does the earth have of us?" "Unless we struggle with these deeper issues," says the Pope, "I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results."
The Holy Father's encyclical calls upon Christians and all people of good will to embrace the idea of "integral ecology" as a way of articulating the fundamental relationships of every human person: with God, with one's self, with other human beings and with the creation. In the encyclical, Pope Francis notes that this integral ecology begins by listening spiritually to the results of the best scientific research on environmental matters that is available, stating, "letting (these results) touch us deeply and provide a concrete foundation for the ethical and spiritual itinerary that follows." Science, the Holy Father proposes, is the best tool by which we can listen to the cry of the earth.
God, who is the Lord of all creation, has placed us in this world as His stewards. The care for creation is a pressing issue, especially in the light of the great harm being done to the natural world of which we are a part, and the threat to the poorest and most vulnerable people worldwide because of environmental destruction. This encyclical invites each of us to prayerfully examine our consciences, and review not only how we have lived in communion with God and with others, but also with all creatures and with nature.
Archbishop Roger Schwietz is head of the Roman Catholic Church's Anchorage Diocese, Bishop Edward Burns leads its Juneau Diocese, and Bishop Chad Zielinski leads its Fairbanks Diocese.
The views expressed here are the writer's own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)alaskadispatch.com.