With the Season of Creation now at a close, it is time for the Church to take stock and reflect on how it has taken on board Laudato Si and also to consider the lines and approach that are required to have any real impact on the universe.
In a speech to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation on October 16, Pope Francis urged nations to uphold the Paris Agreement on climate change. He also urged the international community to “talk less about chronic problems such as hunger, war and climate change, and do more to combat them”
Today we are witnessing the effects of climate change with intense and more frequent hurricanes, coral reefs dying, glaciers rapidly melting, and sea levels rising. So many poor people and creatures are suffering and face extinction if we do not quickly change our lifestyle. We have to work together to creatively find solutions, to reduce our carbon footprint, to live more simply and sustainably on this, our only home. The health of the planet and our continued existence depend upon our choices and actions.
So how can we in Scotland take on board what Pope Francis is now asking us to do - ‘talk less and do more to combat the issues’?
Laudato Si offers a real opportunity for us all to play an active role in combatting climate change. The Church could be an advocate for sustainable living, whilst practicing that approach itself. We should be the beacons of good practice, with sustainable dioceses and parishes.
At the international level, through the Bishops of Scotland, a commitment should be made to join in with the Catholic movement for Divertissement from Fossil Fuel in all Church properties.
At national, level there is a real opportunity to engage with the Scottish Government in their preparation for free fossil fuelled cars with a pledge and commitment from the Church to have energy stations in each of the Church car parks throughout Scotland. (Laudato Si 180)
At local level, in each deanery, a Church should be selected that would champion an exemplar sustainable church together and every parish signing up for EcoCongregation and Simply Living.
Parish groups xould take up the local challenge from the many excellent resources that are available to them. In Scotland, the Justice and Peace Commission is making reference to some examples to good practice through organisations such as La Roche and EcoCongregations. SCIAF has produced some excellent documentation with a guide to Caring for Our Common Home to cut your carbon footprint and bring Laudato Si' to life in your parish.
These are a few of the many positive actions that could be taken to demonstrate that the Church in Scotland is one with Laudato Si and Care for our People and the Creation.
The Earth Charter 2000 asked us to leave behind the ‘period of destruction and make a new start as never before in history. Common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning….Let ours be a time to be remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life’.( Laudato Si 207)
The time is now for all of us to stop the talking and take up the challenge as pilgrims of the future in making the Church in Scotland a Beacon of good practice for Caring for our Creation.