California bishops call Catholics to 'ecological spirituality'

On the fourth anniversary of Laudato Si', the bishops of California challenged the community to grow in an "ecological conversion" that respects God, man, and creation.

Sacramento, Calif. (CNA) - The California Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a June 18 pastoral statement reflecting on Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical, "Laudato Si': On care for our common home."

The bishops reflected on the call to stewardship of the environment and how concrete actions are necessary to exercise this stewardship in preserving the natural beauty of California.

"The astonishing diversity of landscapes across California - formed by the dynamic interplay of diverse natural forces - moves us to recognize God's artistry in creation," the bishops said.

"We propose a practical application of the Laudato Si' message of ecological spirituality - that the ecological well-being of California is meant to be deeply embedded in a spirituality that unites all creatures and all creation in praising God."

Man is responsible for caring for creation, the bishops said in their message. They encouraged people to find ways to prevent waste and ensure sustainability. They suggested Catholics invest in energy efficient appliances, residences, and vehicles. In two examples, the bishops said families may consider adding solar panels to their homes, and businesses may reflect on the environmental impact of the products they produce.

In addition, the bishops highlighted the importance of dialogue about environmental issues and the development of educational materials to further awareness on the topic. They called for works of art that reflect the beauty of creation in order to "inspire a culture of ecological and human care in the light of the moral applications of the Pope's encyclical."

The California bishops said climate change harms both the environment and people, especially the most vulnerable. They noted that Pope Francis has included the issue in his admonitions of a "throwaway culture," which also includes consumeristic excess, abortion, and euthanasia.

"The disruption of the earth's climate is one of the principal challenges facing humanity today, with grave implications for the poor, many of whom live in areas particularly affected by environmental degradation and who also subsist largely on access to natural resources for housing, food, and income," they said.

It is the responsibility of the local community to work together to overcome climate change, the bishops stressed, calling particularly on young people, businesses, and public officials to be involved.

"Subsidiarity presents an opportunity for all of us to act locally, but with an eye to broader social transformation to advance sustainability and climate protection," they said.

In recent years, California has faced significant drought, as well as the largest fire in state history, which took place last year, when more than 400,000 acres were burned in and around Mendocino County. The state's four hottest years on record occurred from 2014-2018.

To respond to these climate crises, the bishops said, it is important to ensure that people have access to clean, affordable water and to provide proper fire education and prevention measures.

They also called for efforts to strengthen aqueducts and water ways to withstand drought, as well as greater investment in attempts to better understand the effects of climate change on water systems.

"The Laudato Si' call to live integral ecology means listening to creation and observing what is happening in it," the bishops said. "To live out a spirituality of the common good, we must recommit ourselves to fostering greater harmony in our relationship with the earth."

The state bishops promised to work with pastoral leaders to spread the message of Laudato Si'. They challenged parishioners and communities to undergo a spiritual conversion and grow in virtues which will positively affect the environment.

"At the heart of all spirituality is conversion. We all need to change for the better. Conversion is not just turning back to God, but always embraces new thinking and new decisions - a new way of life as we move into the future," they said.

"Ecological conversion challenges us to advance in culture, to grow spiritually, and to be better educated about the world entrusted by God to our care. The heavens and the earth belong to God, but we have been called to be good stewards."

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