The Church and Climate Change: A Contribution of The Vincentian in Ecological Situation

Authors

  • Michael Boutchi, C.M. The CM Province of Nigeria Author
  • Damas Nzimenya, C.M. The CM Province of Nigeria Author
  • Jean Baptiste Mandakoasy, C.M. The CM Province of Nigeria Author
  • Joseph Upper, C.M. The CM Province of Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35312/yc6t2q84

Keywords:

Vincentian, Climate change, Akamasoa, Systemic change

Abstract

The Church embodies the Kingdom of God on earth, prioritizing God's glory, human well-being, and the salvation of souls, which necessitates a healthy environment. Climate change poses severe threats to this mission, especially impacting the poor and vulnerable. Guided by Pope Francis's encyclical "Laudato Si," the Church and Vincentians advocate for integral ecology, emphasizing environmental stewardship as a moral imperative. The Vincentian response aligns with its mission to serve the marginalized, addressing environmental issues through initiatives like the Vincentian Family Homeless Alliance and the Vincentian-Grenadine Sustainable Development Plan. Case studies such as the 13 Houses Campaign and the Akamasoa Project in Madagascar showcase practical efforts to alleviate poverty while promoting sustainability. Collaborations with environmental and interfaith organizations, along with community engagement, strengthen these efforts. Despite challenges, the Congregation of the Mission remains committed to fostering a sustainable future, integrating environmental care as part of its service to humanity.

References

Benedict XVI, Pope. (2007). Address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/

John Paul II, Pope. (2001). Catechesis on the commitment to avert ecological catastrophe. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.

Lieberman, Bruce. (2012). The Catholic Church and Climate Change, february 14.

Mavric, Tomaž. (2022). Reflection for the 2022 General Assembly, Vincentiana, 66 (3 and 4)

Paul VI, Pope. (1971). Apostolic Letter Octogesima adveniens. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.

Rolex, Jean, C.M. (2024). Communication Cont, Jan 17, 2024, Congregation of the Mission.

Santos, Rolando. (2022). The Mission Ad Gentes and the Identity of the Congregation of the Mission. Vincentiana, 66.

Webography

• Greenpeace, "About Us": https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/

• Interfaith Power & Light, "Mission Statement": https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/mission/]

• Yale University, "Environmental Studies Program": https://environment.yale.edu/

• United Nations, "Environmental Justice": https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/environmental-justice/index.html

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Published

2024-11-27

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Boutchi, M., Nzimenya, D. ., Mandakoasy, J. B. ., & Upper, J. . (2024). The Church and Climate Change: A Contribution of The Vincentian in Ecological Situation. Studia Vincentiana, 2(3), 309-317. https://doi.org/10.35312/yc6t2q84