Sydney
10 August 2003
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Faith, ecology network
An ecological basis is needed for both “social justice work and theological thinking”, says Fr Charles Rue.
“Many people in different faith traditions are interested in environmental matters, but don’t make the connection between ecology and their personal faith,” he said in an address to Wonder and the Will to Care, a multi-faith forum on ecology.
“An emphasis on personal, human salvation has often cut off people from their relationships with the earth.”
The forum, convened by the Columban Centre for Peace, Ecology and Justice in Sydney, and featuring Aboriginal, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Christian speakers, resolved to set up the first inter-faith ecology network in NSW.
Its charter is to further co-operate and share ideas on environmental issues among the different faith traditions.
Fr Charles said: “Catholic social teaching has tended to focus on issues of production, distribution and ‘the worker’ and not our environment.
“A healthy earth is the basis of sustainable production and the two are now seen as interconnected parts within Catholic social teaching. It leads to a spirituality of wonder and re-enchantment with God’s creation.
“Since the industrial revolution the idea of progress has been equated with industrial advancement. Now I think we need a total paradigm shift in our thinking.
“We need an ecological basis both for social justice work and theological thinking.”
The Columban Centre for Peace, Ecology and Justice will facilitate the Faith and Ecology Network for its first year.
A report on the forum (held at the Australian Catholic University’s Strathfield campus) and papers presented are available on the Columban Mission website at www.columban.org.au
For more information contact Fr Charles Rue on 9488 8844.