The 'Green' Pope?

Environmental efforts start with worship of God, according to presentation on Pope’s encyclical

MADISON  Societies and individuals across the globe should root their commitment to “going ‘Green’ ” — engaging in sustained efforts to protect the environment — in the practice of Integral Ecology: an comprehensive concern for human spiritual, moral and economic development and concern for the environment as parts of a single, woven fabric of Creation. But these critical efforts to preserve the planet need to start with proper worship of God — people around the world praising Him and thanking Him for all of Creation — to help them get more in tune with nature, personal relationships, and priorities — for themselves, their fellow human beings and the world.

Those are but a few of Pope Francis’ teachings on environmental activism in his latest encyclical, “ ‘Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” that two staff members of St. Paul Inside the Walls: the Diocesan Center for Evangelization at Bayley-Ellard here examined on Sept. 9 during a presentation with a provocative title “The Green Pope?” Father Paul Manning, St. Paul’s executive director and diocesan vicar for evangelization, and Brian Honsberger, coordinator of diocesan youth and young adult ministry, answered that question with a resounding “yes,” during their overview of the pope’s celebrated letter, held at the evangelization center.

“Pope Francis’ letter is in harmony with the long-standing social teaching of the Church. Other popes have written and spoken about the environment, but this encyclical presents an expanded and unified synthesis [on the subject],” said Father Manning during the presentation that took place ahead of Pope Francis’ historic first visit to the United States, scheduled from Tuesday-Sunday, Sept, 22-27. “The pontiff’s letter is reflective and conversational, rather than a doctrinal, logical exposition. It is broad and focused on the interconnectedness and interdependence of natural and human spheres of creation, society, the culture of ecology, economics and politics. In it, he calls all of us to ‘become the instruments used by God to protect Creation,’ ” the priest said.

In “Laudato Si,” (“Praise Be to You”), Pope Francis encourages people to “go ‘Green’ ” — engage in development that minimizes its negative impacts on the environment and emphasizes conservation — by making significant changes. They need to reject compulsive consumerism and selfishness, protect human life from birth to natural death, reclaim family life and return to simplicity: living soberly, humbly, simply, joyfully and peacefully. International dialogue should focus on crafting agreements and policies for the governance of common goods, such as oceans; protection from privatization; and redefining the concept of “progress,” as care for all people, especially the powerless and poor, Father Manning said.

That’s because the destruction of the planet has been caused by the lack of concern, which has manifested itself in pollution and climate change, loss of biodiversity, scarcity of water, a decline in quality of life and society, inequality and inadequate responses to these pressing problems. Pope Francis also asserts that prideful people misuse technology, science and the markets to manipulate the poor, human embryos, persons with disabilities, the unborn and nature. Also contributing are an economy solely driven by profits, inequality and exclusion and oppression of the powerless, Father Manning said.

“All of this impacts labor, the treatment of children, the ethical use of biology, local and humane economies, the common good and intergenerational justice — the ecology of daily life,” said Father Manning, who studied forestry in college, before entering the seminary. “We misunderstood our ‘dominion’ over the Earth — giving God-like care — with domination, which has led to the degradation of the environment to the detriment of the human family. We need to model Jesus, who lived in full harmony with all of Creation,” the priest said.

To help get us in the mindset to promote Integral Ecology, we need to begin by engaging in proper worship of God, which “leads to an enlightened mind, ordered priorities and caring relationships, including nature,” Honsberger said.

“A society that rightly worships God is able to order its priorities correctly: God, environment and then profit,” Honsberger said.

After their presentation, Father Manning and Honsberger fielded questions and insights from the audience of 50 people, including one about whether “Laudato Si” represents an “attack on capitalism.” The priest responded, noting that Pope Francis does not mention capitalism by name in the letter, but does attack “markets that seek profits as the highest good.”

Among these attending the “Green Pope?” presentation was Art McMahon of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville. He said that he incorporates organic methods in his operation of a farm that has produce and livestock.

“Francis is a breath of fresh air. His message [in ‘Laudato Si’] re-affirms the idea that care of the environment starts with respect for life. He sees what we need to do. We are going in the right direction. The pope’s message also encourages me in what I’m doing [on the farm],” McMahon said. “When you get up in the morning and see the sun and nature all around you, you feel a great urgency to protect it for the next generation.”