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A quarterly newsletter by Caritas Singapore on the Catholic Church’s social mission
Issue 03 September 2020 MCI (P) 028/03/2020
A
letter
to you
A special edition on Care for Our Common Home
WE ARE HIS STEWARDS
Our responsibility for God’s earth means that we must be As everything is ultimately closely interrelated, the Holy
responsible stewards and respect the laws of nature for Father suggests consideration of an “integral ecology” that
“he commanded and they were created; and he established
them for ever and ever; he fixed their bounds and he set a law
clearly respects its human and social dimensions.
“ We live better when we
which cannot pass away”. (Psalm 148:5–6) This concept flows from the Holy Father’s understanding are not so obsessed by
that today’s problems call for a vision capable of taking into material things. To live
God is reflected in all His creatures and so man must respect account all the interconnected aspects of the global crisis.
every creature, and avoid any disordered use of things as The “environment” cannot be considered in isolation. We such a life, we must be
well as “excessive anthropocentrism”. are part of nature as we influence nature just as nature at peace with ourselves,
influences us. As a result, if we want to know why a given
One of the major themes in Laudato Si’ is the “common area is polluted, we must study “the workings of society, the attitude of our hearts
destination of goods”3. As the earth was created by God for its economy, its behavioural patterns, and the ways it must have a serenity that
Prof Tan Cheng Han all, it is essentially a shared inheritance whose fruits are grasps reality.” Accordingly, in considering solutions to
Chair, Caritas Singapore meant to benefit everyone. the environmental crisis we must seek comprehensive accepts each moment as a
For centuries, the Catholic Church has taught that human For Christians, the importance of sharing becomes a question
solutions that consider the interactions within natural
systems themselves and with social systems.
gift from God to be lived “
beings must care for our environment. This is because all of obedience to God who created the world for everyone. to the full.
that is created is God’s work and therefore Christians are Hence, every ecological approach needs to incorporate These interrelationships mean that we are not faced with
called to nurture and preserve what God has made. a social perspective that takes into account the two separate crises, one environmental and the other
http://www.humandevelopment.va/en/taglist.cura-del-creato.html
Personally, I like to think that caring for God’s creation is part fundamental rights of the poor and the underprivileged. social, but rather one complex crisis that is both social and
of our worship of God. Private property must have a social purpose and the Christian environmental. As a result, strategies for a solution demand
tradition has never recognised the right to private property an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring institutions are weakened, the result is injustice, violence, a establishing harmony within ourselves, with others, with
The Church’s teaching is even more important today. as absolute. dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting loss of freedom, and a lack of respect for law, all of which nature and other living creatures and with God.
nature. have consequences for the environment.
Many scientists warn that we are severely damaging our God’s creation, of which we are only caretakers, cannot be The Holy Father emphasises that for there to be long-
environment, even to the point of no return. Many public used in such a way that its benefits favour only a few. Here, I In such an “economic ecology”, the protection of the As a practical person, Pope Francis also sets out some lines lasting effects, the majority of people must have the right
health concerns have also arisen from this. Indeed, the pause to note that the Church’s teachings on creation have a environment is then seen as “an integral part of the of approach and action in the form of various dialogues that virtues to make a selfless ecological commitment. Such
COVID-19 pandemic may in part have resulted from human strong social dimension. development process and cannot be considered in isolation should take place within the international community, at the a commitment can come about by using less even when
action. On 6 July 2020, UNEP said that this pandemic is just from it.” national and local levels, between politics and the economy one can afford it; by sacrificing some comfort so that the
one example of the rising trend of diseases such as Ebola as both need to enter into a frank discussion in the service of environment will not be harmed (such as using less air-
and MERS caused by viruses jumping from animal hosts into It suggests, among other things, He also calls for a “social ecology” that recognises that life, and religions in dialogue with science. conditioning in our context); by reusing things whenever
the human population. The rising trend in zoonotic diseases Photo by Johannes Schenk on Unsplash the health of a society’s institutions has consequences possible; and by sharing to reduce waste.
is driven by the deterioration of our natural environment – that our Earth should not be for the environment and the quality of human life4. This I am, therefore, very pleased that we have such a diverse
through land degradation, wildlife exploitation, resource overused for the few at the expense includes the primary social group, the family, as well as wider panel [at the Caritas Singapore Roundtable VI: Heal Our He says “less is more” because it is liberating to return to
is sin. The harmony between the Creator, humanity and
extraction, climate change, and other stresses.1
creation as a whole was disrupted by our pride and as a result, of the many now and in the future. local, national, and international communities. When these Home], befitting the various “dialogues” that the Holy Father simplicity, to be spiritually detached from our possessions,
the originally harmonious relationship between human calls us to have. The Church must work with all people of and not to be sad for what we lack. This is not a lesser life.
Given the urgency of the situation, Pope Francis issued an goodwill to solve the environmental challenges that we face.
beings and nature came into conflict (cf. Gen 3:17–19).
encyclical in 2015 – Laudato Si’2 – which means “Praise Be For Christians, Pope Francis calls for an “ecological conversion”
to You!” with the subtitle “On Care for our Common Home”. such that our encounter with Jesus becomes evident in our
But ultimately, the Pope says, relationship with the world around us. According to him, living our
While grounded in the Church’s teachings, the Pope makes the
The Genesis story tells us to vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of
“till and keep” the garden of the
“…it is we, human beings, above all
virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian
point that theological reflections should be grounded in an
experience. However, individual efforts may not ultimately be
analysis of the present situation, and therefore the encyclical world (cf. Gen 2:15) which means sufficient to remedy the complex problems that the world faces and
begins by outlining what is happening in our common home
to care, protect and preserve who need to change. We lack an therefore a community conversion is also necessary.
such as pollution and climate change, depletion of water
the world including to ensure its awareness of our common origin,
supplies, and loss of biodiversity. These have led to a decline
in the quality of human life and the breakdown of society, e.g. fruitfulness for coming generations. of our mutual belonging, and of a “ Such a conversion entails gratitude and a recognition that the
world is God’s loving gift and that we are not disconnected from
unhealthy living conditions, inequality, and increased crime future to be shared with everyone. the rest of God’s creatures. As Luke 12:6 records Jesus saying of the
and violence. birds of the air, “not one of them is forgotten before God”.
Our concern for future generations is a matter of our own
dignity as it is linked to the meaning of our temporary stay in It is essential that “we set out on the long path of renewal.” The Pope challenges us all to recognise and live fully this dimension
Having set out what the world is grappling with, Laudato
this world. This is the kind of “dominion” over the world that This includes the need for a “new lifestyle” that does of our conversion. He says: “May the power and the light of the
Si’ turns to what the Bible says about the relationship of grace we have received also be evident in our relationship to other
we have been granted. not involve extreme consumerism. Such a change could
human beings with the world. The creation accounts in the creatures and to the world around us.”
bring healthy pressure on those who exercise political,
book of Genesis suggest that human life is grounded in three
economic and social power to make positive changes. To
fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with Human beings do not own the bring about this change, education is important and must
In conclusion, I would like to say that while we, as human beings,
God, with our neighbour and with the earth itself. land; we are strangers and appreciate the need to care for the environment, not least because
include a critique of what the Pope regards as “myths” it is key to the survival of humanity as a species, as Catholic
According to the Bible, these three vital relationships have foreigners and it is God to whom such as individualism, unlimited progress, competition, Christians, we must also internalise care for the environment as
Photo by Marek Okon on Unsplash consumerism, the unregulated market. It should also seek
been broken, both outwardly and within us, and this rupture the land belongs. (Lev 25:23) to restore the various levels of ecological equilibrium,
part of our relationship with God for all that God creates is good
and we are His stewards.
References: References:
1
https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/unite-human-animal-and-environmental-health-prevent-next-pandemic-un 3
https://www.caritas-singapore.org/catholic-social-teaching
2
https://w2.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si_en.pdf 4
http://www.humandevelopment.va/en/taglist.cura-del-creato.html Article from Prof Tan’s Opening Remarks at the Caritas Singapore: Roundtable VI: Heal Our Home
CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
Caritas Singapore organised a roundtable themed “Heal Our Home” in August 2020. Our expert panellists shared on the topics concerning the current climate situation, and
how we can address it as a community.
Little steps to care for our environment
As Catholic Individuals
We produce over We are asked to re-appropriate God’s original and
300 mil
loving plan of creation as a common heritage,
2019
a banquet which all of our brothers and sisters REGE
NERA
TE
REFU
SE
tons of plastic waste share in a spirit of conviviality, not in competitive
is the
6R
E
YCL
second hottest about 8 mil scramble but in joyful fellowship, supporting and
UCE
REC
every year and
RED
year on record5 lands up in the ocean7 protecting one another.
RE
P
We consume as E
UR
REUS
Purchase food
PO
SE
many as - Pope Francis
1,769
that is at least 70% Instead of buying
Walk more, take Bring the 6Rs
organic, or whole new things,
public transport into your life –
foods to reduce upcycle used
or carpool Refuse, Reduce,
We have lost Climate Action in Singapore9 dependence on items like
60% GLOBAL
of animal 6 particles of to reduce
your carbon
processed food furniture and
Reuse,
Repurpose,
populations microplastics every week The Centre for Climate Research for By 2021, Singapore will be one of the footprint.
with a high carbon clothes, and give
Recycle,
CRISES
only from drinking water8 footprint and them a new
Singapore (CCRS) was set up few countries in the world to have Regenerate.
pesticide residues. purpose.
in 2013 to study the weather 100% green waterworks.
and climate of Singapore
and Southeast Asia region.
One area of study focuses on As a Community of Faith
Singapore is already sea level research to develop
experiencing the impact of more robust
CLIMATE CHANGE projections
climate change, such as more
IMPACTS AS SEEN IN of sea level
intense rainfall and
SINGAPORE: rise. Singapore is safeguarding more than
prolonged dry spells. 7,800ha of green spaces. By 2030,
one million trees will be planted and
By 21009 solar panels will be on 70% of our
HDB blocks.
Participate in
parish activities
Tuas Port, when completed by
NEW plans that put the
the 2040s, will provide greater Pray as a
An NEWater: Closing the water loop. Pope Francis’ principles of At all events,
efficiency and lower emissions
More extreme and
5Rs: A Jubilee community for a Laudato Si’ into use reusable
Mean sea level rise increase in daily NEWSand: Turning incinerated bottom through automation and reduction
is a sacred time shift in mindset practice and crockery and
of up to
1 metre mean temperatures intense weather events, ash to construction materials. in inter-haulage
to Remember, towards caring teach us how utensils.
4.6°C
as high as which may lead to more NEWOil: Converting discarded plastics operations by road
Return, Rest, for our common to be good
frequent floods. into higher value products like
pyrolysis oil.
and sea.
Restore home. stewards of
and Rejoice.10 creation.11, 12
Refences:
5
https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-confirms-2019-second-hottest-year-record
6
https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-10/wwfintl_livingplanet_full.pdf Refences:
7
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_New_Plastics_Economy.pdf 10
https://catholicnews.sg/2020/09/09/creation-at-a-crossroads
8
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/11/health/microplastics-ingestion-wwf-study-scn-intl/index.html 11
https://stignatius.org.sg/home/ministries/community/st-ignatius-green-movement
9
http://ccrs.weather.gov.sg/Publications-Second-National-Climate-Change-Study-Science-Reports 12
https://new.divinemercy.sg/reusable-bag
JOIN US
Speakers:
Friar Derrick Yap, Custos for the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei)
Joseph Teo, Singapore’s Chief Negotiator for Climate Change, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
Wilson Ang, Founding President, Environmental Challenge Organisation (Singapore)
Mark Tang, Caritas Board member and Chair, Caritas Young Adults Committee
For more information, click here.
CONNECT WITH US! Write to us at comms@caritas-singapore.0rg
CONTACT US
55 Waterloo Street #08-01 Catholic Centre S187954 comms@caritas-singapore.org
6338 3448 @CaritasSingapore caritas-singapore.org
Published by Caritas Singapore Community Council Limited (Caritas Singapore), a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Registration No 200613504D (ACRA) Charity No UEN 200613504D
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