Lenten Reflection: An Integral Ecology

“The Catholic Church here welcomes everyone.” This quote is attributed to the Christian apologist G K Chesterton. We saw something of the truth of that comment played out in our parish this week. Outside each of our churches, a banner was placed by Vinnies (of which we have two parish conferences) drawing our attention to the annual Palm Sunday Rally for the support of refugees.
Another banner outside St Vincent’s called for climate action, ‘Protect Creation—No
new coal & gas’. A parishioner protested about that banner, stating, “there are a number of views on this issue in the community and the timing during an election gives the impression the Parish of St Matthew’s and St Vincent’s supports the policies of a particular political party.” Perhaps, but it might also be seen as a proactive comment in a consistent ethic of life that opposes abortion and euthanasia and supports refugees. Later that day, the banner had been folded in half so that you could not read it. The next day, the banner was found in the bin of the parishioner who is a member of the parish's Laudato Si’ group and who helped put it up. The group takes its name from the ‘Laudato Si’ encyclical of Pope Francis (2015) calling for ‘an integral ecology’, which might be summerised as respect for God, oneself, others and all creation as it is connected. The vast majority of peer-reviewed scientists acknowledge the anthropomorphic impact of climate change and the need to address it. However, there are differences of opinion as to how best to do that -to
transition to clean energy in a timely and considerate manner. Some will
argue for the necessity of more carbon-based fuel sources in the transition; others
will oppose that. Again, some will point out that Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are relatively small. Others will agree but point out that per capita, they are
among the very highest in the world. Pope Francis has noted that the poor are the
hardest hit by climate change. Finally, some would have it that the Church should stay out of politics. The fact that the Church has always been political –affirming that which fosters human flourishing in a consistent ethic of life– but it is another matter altogether for the Church to be partisan or to overtly support a political party or independent candidate when there is legitimate diversity of opinion about a matter. Besides, religion is always mediated through culture, and when it comes to partisan politics, Oscar Wilde's comment is surely apt: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple”. With the foregoing in mind, it is timely to draw attention to the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference Election Statement 2025, “Called to Bring Hope in the Year of Jubilee”. Copies of the online Statement are available in the foyer. The Statement offers a summary of Catholic Social Teaching to assist in the discernment of proposed partisan policies on various topics, mindful that no policy stands in isolation. Who will promote individual and communal flourishing is the question addressed at the ballot box. Catholics and, indeed, all Australian citizens will
vote in a variety of ways in good faith. Meanwhile, might we all seek to foster
informed and respectful dialogue and, on occasion, beg to differ while continuing the conversation. That is how democracies operate. In process, that is what the notion of ‘synodality’ or ‘walking together’ is all about. It is all connected, and we forget that at our peril.

Download the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Election Statement

 Fr John

South Belconnen Parish Priest