Renewing the face of the earth

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Susanna Georgiana Welch
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1 Renewing the face of the earth Rev Dr Augusto Zampini Davies 30 June 2017 For the Diocese of East Anglia cafod.org.uk

2 Introduction to Laudato Si : on the care for our common home (through its title)

The encyclical through its title Laudato Si : an inclusive, inspiring and challenging faith statement (prophetic) Care: renewing our understanding of stewardship through relational anthropology

3 The encyclical through its title Laudato Si : an inclusive, inspiring and challenging faith statement (prophetic) Care: renewing our understanding of stewardship through relational anthropology Common: common creatures, common problem, common solutions, common goods, common destination of goods, common good, communities, communion. Home (oikos): economics and ecology, ecosystems and eco-politics, home-oikos and eco-spirituality. Oikoumene: the whole world

4 Integral human development & Integral ecology

5 Seeing the consequences of our development model

6 Seeing what is happening to our common home Symptoms (LS, Ch.1) Rapidification Pollution Global warming and climate change Loss of biodiversity Problem of water Decline in the quality of human life and the breakdown of society Weak responses, lack of leadership, conflict, plurality

7 Judging in the light of the Gospel The Gospel of Creation (LS, Chapter 2)

8 Judging : Critical analysis The human roots of the unprecedented socio-ecological crisis (LS, Ch. 3) Prevailing technocratic paradigm Myth of perennial progress Globalisation of indifference Lack of political will Throwaway culture Consumerist lifestyle

proved incapable of finding effective ways of dealing

9 Technocratic paradigm the same ingenuity which has brought about enormous technological progress has so far proved incapable of finding effective ways of dealing with grave environmental and social problems worldwide (LS, 164).

10 Which model of development? Alternative development? For new models of progress to arise, there is a need to change models of global development (LS, 194)

11 New dialogue on development I urgently appeal for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet (LS, 14)

12 Catholic Social Teaching Integral human development All the person / all persons All creatures / all creation

13 INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: implications Anthropology: relational ; vs individualism Philosophy: comprehensive humanitarianism; vs utilitarianism Economy: people centered, sustainable; vs myth of progress and the idol of the market Theology: common destination of goods, option for the poor; vs disincarnated or prosperity theologies

14 Integral development Integral ecology Integral ecology transcend[s] the language of mathematics and biology, and take us to the heart of what it is to be human (LS, 11)

15 Interconnectedness Cry of the earth Cry of the poor

16 INTEGRAL ECOLOGY: implications Interconnectedness: aid & development Interconnectedness: programs on economy, policy, human development, ecology Human dignity & daily life: promoting human dignity implies personal and organizational conversion Culture: south & north, Christian & others

17 Acting

18 Lines of approach and action (LS, Ch. 5-6) Dialogue and participation Ecological Education Spirituality (all interconnected)

19 Political dialogue: needs good politicians capable of reforming and coordinating institutions, promoting best practices and overcoming undue pressure and bureaucratic inertia (LS, 181); far-sighted enough to see beyond immediate political needs (cf LS, 197); wise enough to understand global as well as local problems (cf LS, 180); brave enough to challenge and resist becoming subject to the economy or to an efficiency-driven paradigm of technocracy (LS, 189); honest enough to promote transparent political processes, considering all the stakeholders involved in political-economic matters that affect people and the planet (cf LS, 182), determined enough to break the perverse logic of corruption; and open enough to seek honest dialogue and international, enforceable agreements (cf LS, 173).

20 Ecological Education: vs myth of progress Not just scientific info, awareness or prevention New way of thinking about human beings, life, society, and our relationship with nature Culture of love and care (cultural revolution) Promotes a new and universal solidarity

21 Integral Spirituality The encounter with Jesus Christ: a motivation for the care of our common home Creation & Redemption Motivation for transformation

22 INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY Christian spirituality: an alternative understanding of the quality of life Little way of love Social love

23 INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY Christian spirituality and ecological conversion

24 INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY Christ s presence in the Sacraments: Grace & Nature Aid & development Prayer & sacraments

25 Integral Spirituality Rituals (according to anthropologists) Reaffirm group values (common purpose over individual goals) Beyond pragmatic and short-term view Operate in a higher order of meanings (beyond discursive reasoning) Provide a different perception of time Why over what/how Operate with sentiments Shared their stories Increases trust

26 INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY some implications for Catholic communities Transformative: motivation, inspiration, conversion & sacrifice Challenging: dialogue, not imposition Creative: new eyes, new ways, global-catholic Inclusive: outsiders and insiders

27 Integral Ecology Integral Spirituality Integral Development

A readers' guide to 'Laudato Si''

Published on National Catholic Reporter (https://www.ncronline.org) Jun 26, 2015 Home > A readers' guide to 'Laudato Si'' A readers' guide to 'Laudato Si'' by Thomas Reese Faith and Justice Francis: The