More about Laudato Si' ...

       

LAUDATO SI' - THE ACTION PROGRAMME

 by Tony Macelli

10 Sept 2024

The author has placed this document in the public domain.

It maybe used or quoted freely without permission.

Please send it to others who may need it.

 

Introduction

The encyclical may be broken down into points, some of which are spiritual or moral justifications or analyses, while other points are direct action statements.  In the present document, the action points have been extracted and organised into an agenda for action. This becomes a programme of action for active agents within and outside Church institutions, and for active agents from outside the Christian tradition.  These may be individuals, groups, and institutions.

 

The Raw Agenda Points in Laudato Sí'        ▲

The Appendix “Laudato Sí in Point form” contains all the points into which the encyclical has been broken down. Here below are all the points from the Appendix that are direct action statements.

• Advocate for policies that address climate change and environmental degradation: Climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, water scarcity, and social inequality.

• Support renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

• Promote conservation and responsible consumption.

• Integrate faith and environmental activism.

• Promote a spirituality of care for creation.

• Engage faith communities in environmental action.

• Challenge anthropocentric and consumerist mindsets.

• Advocate for ethical and sustainable technology.

• Promote a culture of simplicity and sufficiency in contrast to a wasteful over-consuming throwaway culture

• Educate on the need to address the interconnectedness of Environmental, Social, and Economic dimensions

• Promote sustainable development that addresses poverty and inequality.

• Advocate for just and equitable environmental policies.

• Support initiatives that empower communities and promote social justice.

• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups.

• Develop and implement environmental awareness and education programs.

• Promote spiritual practices that foster care for creation.

• Encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices.

• Promote a lifestyle of simplicity, gratitude, and solidarity.

• Advocate for systemic change toward a more just and sustainable world.

 

The Programme for Action Proposed by Laudato Sí'        ▲

All these action points have been grouped into an Action Programme, as follows:

1. Policy and Advocacy

• Advocate for policies that address climate change and environmental degradation

• Advocate for ethical and sustainable technology

• Advocate for just and equitable environmental policies

• Advocate for systemic change toward a more just and sustainable world

• Support renewable energy and sustainable agriculture

2. Lifestyle and Community

• Promote conservation and responsible consumption

• Promote a culture of simplicity and sufficiency

• Promote a lifestyle of simplicity, gratitude, and solidarity

• Encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices

• Support initiatives that empower communities and promote social justice

3. Education and Awareness

• Educate on the need to address the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic dimensions

• Develop and implement environmental awareness and education programs

4. Faith and Spirituality

• Integrate faith and environmental activism

• Promote a spirituality of care for creation

• Engage faith communities in environmental action

• Promote spiritual practices that foster care for creation

5. Dialogue and Collaboration

• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups

Laudato Si offers a powerful framework for both understanding and addressing the ecological crisis. It calls for a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and spiritual dimensions. As activists, we can draw inspiration and guidance from Laudato Si to promote a more just and sustainable world for all.

 

Afterword - Guidelines for Active Individuals, Groups and Institutions        ▲

For active agents, here are guidelines derived from Laudato Sí.

• Local Action: While Laudato Si addresses global concerns, it emphasizes the importance of local action. Identify and address environmental issues in your community.

• Collaboration: Build partnerships with diverse groups, including faith communities, environmental organizations, and social justice advocates.

• Advocacy: Engage in advocacy efforts at the local, national, and international levels to promote policies that protect the environment and promote social justice.

• Education: Educate yourself and others about the ecological crisis and the principles of Laudato Si.

• Spiritual Grounding: Nurture your own spiritual connection with creation and draw strength from your faith tradition.

Remember, the ecological crisis is a complex challenge, but it is also an opportunity for transformation. By embracing the principles of Laudato Si, we can work together to create a more just and sustainable world for all.

-o-

 

APPENDIX: Laudato Sí in Point Form        ▲

In this Section the Encyclical is broken down into points, and those points relating to theological spiritual, and moral justifications have been separated from the points that are direct agendas for an activist.

1. Core Themes

• Integral Ecology: The interconnectedness of all creation - the environment, social justice, and human flourishing. Environmental problems cannot be separated from human concerns.

• The Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: The environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable. A call for social justice alongside environmental action.

• Ecological Conversion: A shift in our mindset and lifestyles toward a more sustainable and just world.

2. Key Points & Activist Implications

1. The Current Ecological Crisis

• Diagnosis: Climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, water scarcity, and social inequality.

• Action Points:

  • Advocate for policies that address climate change and environmental degradation.

  • Support renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

  • Promote conservation and responsible consumption.

3. The Gospel of Creation

• Theological Foundation: Creation is a gift from God, and humans are stewards, not masters, of the Earth.

• Action Points:

  • Integrate faith and environmental activism.

  • Promote a spirituality of care for creation.

  • Engage faith communities in environmental action.

4. The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis

• Anthropocentrism: The belief that humans are the centre of the universe and have dominion over nature.

• Technocratic Paradigm: The dominance of technology and the pursuit of profit over human and environmental well-being.

• Throwaway Culture: The excessive consumption and waste of resources.

• Action Points:

  • Challenge anthropocentric and consumerist mindsets.

  • Advocate for ethical and sustainable technology.

  • Promote a culture of simplicity and sufficiency.

5. Integral Ecology

• Environmental, Social, and Economic Dimensions: The need to address the interconnectedness of these dimensions.

• Action Points:

  • Promote sustainable development that addresses poverty and inequality.

  • Advocate for just and equitable environmental policies.

  • Support initiatives that empower communities and promote social justice.

6. Lines of Approach and Action

• Dialogue and Collaboration: The need for dialogue and collaboration among different stakeholders.

• Ecological Education: Promoting environmental awareness and education at all levels.

• Ecological Spirituality: Nurturing a deeper connection with nature and a sense of responsibility for creation.

• Action Points:

  • Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups.

  • Develop and implement environmental education programs.

  • Promote spiritual practices that foster care for creation.

7. Ecological Conversion

• Personal and Communal Transformation: A call for a change in our hearts, minds, and lifestyles.

• Action Points:

  • Encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices.

  • Promote a lifestyle of simplicity, gratitude, and solidarity.

  • Advocate for systemic change toward a more just and sustainable world.

Laudato Si offers a powerful framework for both understanding and addressing the ecological crisis. It calls for a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and spiritual dimensions. As activists, we can draw inspiration and guidance from Laudato Si to promote a more just and sustainable world for all.

Remember, the ecological crisis is a complex challenge, but it is also an opportunity for transformation. By embracing the principles of Laudato Si, we can work together to create a more just and sustainable world for all.

-o-

 

The author maybe contacted on imaginetony@gmail.com