EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume Twelve, Number Two Summer 2003 AN EXCERPT OF POPE JOHN PAUL II's Message to His Holiness Bartholomeos I, Archbishop of Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch: On a number of occasions I have commented on the growing awareness among individuals, and indeed the entire international community, of the need to respect the environment and the natural resources which God has given humanity. It is imperative that the true nature of the ecological crisis be understood. The relationship between individuals or communities and the environment can never be detached from their relationship with God. When humanity turns its back on the Creator's plan, a disorder is provoked which has inevitable repercussions on the rest of the created order. Ecological irresponsibility is at heart a moral problem which arises when we forget that our ability to transform the world must always respect God's design of creation. Solutions to this problem will necessarily involve acts of solidarity which transcend political divisions or unnecessarily narrow industrial self-interests. A solution to ecological challenges demands more than just economic and technological proposals. It requires an inner change of heart which leads to the rejection of unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. It demands an ethical behavior which respects the principles of universal solidarity, social justice and responsibility. As you yourself stated, this calls for genuine sacrifice: "When we sacrifice our life and share our wealth, we gain life in abundance and enrich the entire world." From the Vatican, 27 May 2003 Home     Table of Contents