Sister Margaret Atkins' presentation on whether the Catholic Church is doing enough for the environment addresses both the Church’s current efforts and areas for improvement. She emphasizes that the Church has a strong potential to lead by moral example, urging Catholics to adopt environmentally conscious practices such as reducing meat consumption and minimizing travel. She also encourages reconnecting our daily habits, such as food consumption, with liturgical practices, making them more deliberate and reflective of faith values.
Sister Margaret acknowledges that some critics feel the Church might be overstepping its bounds by speaking on scientific issues like climate change, but she counters that the Church is not claiming scientific expertise. Rather, it is responding to the scientific consensus and reflecting on the moral implications of environmental degradation. This is consistent with a long tradition of papal teachings on the environment, building on the work of Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI.
She also touches on the complex issue of population control, noting that while the Church opposes certain secular approaches, such as coercive population policies, it advocates for responsible living and simplicity. The real issue, Sister Margaret points out, is not the number of people but how resources are consumed, with wealthier nations using far more than poorer ones.
Technology is another area of concern. Sister Margaret discusses Pope Francis’ critique of the “technocratic paradigm,” where technology gives humans a sense of control over the world, often leading to environmental harm. She warns that just because we have the power to use certain technologies does not mean we should, emphasizing the need for discernment in how we use technology.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Sister Margaret suggests that the crisis has been a wake-up call, revealing the fragility of human control over nature. She notes that the pandemic has forced people to slow down, reevaluate their lives, and rediscover what truly matters, such as family and community. This time of reflection, she argues, could be a valuable opportunity for people to make lasting changes in how they interact with the environment.
Sister Margaret believes the Church has a critical role to play in this transformation. Its vocation includes promoting reconciliation, advocating for the poor (who are most affected by climate change), and modeling joyful, simple living. The Church can offer a moral framework to guide political and economic decisions that prioritize the environment.
She concludes by stating that humanity faces a critical choice, similar to the one presented in Ezekiel: life or death. The environmental crisis is urgent, but the pandemic has shown that rapid change is possible when people are motivated. Now is the time for the Church and society to make reflective, life-affirming choices to protect the planet.
Journal and reflect on the following
How can individuals integrate their faith with environmentally conscious practices, such as changes in diet and travel habits, to better reflect their responsibility as stewards of creation?
What role should the Catholic Church play in addressing scientific issues like climate change, and how can it balance moral leadership with respect for scientific expertise?
In what ways can the Church help Catholics reconnect their daily consumption habits with the rhythms of liturgical practices to promote more sustainable living?
How can the Church advocate for population control policies that align with its moral teachings while also addressing the environmental impact of resource consumption in wealthy nations?
What are the dangers of the 'technocratic paradigm' Pope Francis critiques, and how can the Church encourage a more thoughtful, responsible approach to the use of technology?
How can the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the value of slowing down and reevaluating priorities, inspire long-term environmental changes within Catholic communities?
What practical steps can the Church take to model and promote simple, joyful living that prioritizes the well-being of both people and the planet?
Discuss
Song - Kari Jobe - The Garden (Acoustic)
Final Prayer
Loving Creator, we give thanks for the beauty and wonder of Your creation, a gift entrusted to us with love and care. Open our hearts to recognize our responsibility as stewards of this earth, guiding us to live with simplicity, mindfulness, and respect for all living things. May we honor You through our actions, making choices that protect and preserve the world for future generations. Help us to be bold in advocating for justice for the poor and vulnerable, who are most affected by environmental harm. Strengthen us to live in harmony with nature, as true disciples of Your love. Amen.
