Faith Faith and Reason Proclaiming Jesus Christ in a time of climate crisis

By Louis J. Cameli, 15 December 2024
A view of the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. Image: Alana Harris/Unsplash.

 

Two new perspectives recently opened up for me in dialogue with bishops and theologians. The first is the sad fact that “Laudato Si’” and its implementation has stalled in the church. The second is that we must look at the Christological perspectives of our care for creation and our common home. The two are related.

I recently participated in a conference held at the University of San Diego, part of a multi-year series of gatherings of bishops, theologians and others focusing on a way forward for the church. This year’s theme was “Laudato si`: Protecting Our Common Home, Building Our Common Church.” In so many ways, this gathering was remarkable—but not because it provided quick and easy solutions to the daunting climate and environmental challenges we face and must work through with patience and commitment. In my estimation, its significance stemmed from our dialogue that opened new perspectives—including those above—and stimulated deeper reflection.

Consider how “Laudato Si’” has landed in the church and how the church has carried its vision into the world. There have been some admirable efforts to educate and raise consciousness, such as the Jesuit Ecology Project and its free, interactive environmental e-textbook Healing Earth from Loyola University Chicago. I am also proud of the initiatives that my own Archdiocese of Chicago has taken to move in ecologically responsible pathways (as announced December 2023, the Archdiocese will convert to 100 percent renewable energy sources). That said, overall, it is accurate to say that there is no deep or widespread awareness in the church of “Laudato Si’,” and certainly not in the United States.

Assuming environmental responsibility

The pope’s letter “Laudate Deum” on the eighth anniversary of “Laudato Si’” indicates that this lack is also evident worldwide. There is certainly no large-scale church mobilization for action on environmental issues. Also telling is that the general public does not often identify the Catholic Church as standing for environmental responsibility. Why is this so? Why is this critically important document, now nine years old, largely bypassed and generally stalled in Catholic Church life?

To continue reading this article, click here.

The Rev. Louis J. Cameli, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, is Cardinal Blase J. Cupich’s delegate for formation and mission. He is the author of the audiobook Mary’s Journey.

With thanks to America and Delaney Coyne, where this article originally appeared.

Read Daily
* indicates required

RELATED STORIES