Uniting Faith and Environmental Responsibility: The Ecumenical Prayer Gathering in Hong Kong
Recently, Catholic and Protestant leaders in Hong Kong came together for an ecumenical prayer gathering that aimed to address the urgent ecological crisis facing our planet. The event, held to mark the conclusion of the Season of Creation and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, emphasized the crucial link between faith, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
By LiCAS News
Reflecting on the pressing need for ecological conversion, leaders from the Catholic Church in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Christian Council, joined by environmental advocates, highlighted the key messages of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’.
During the gathering, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing underscored the root causes of environmental degradation, stemming from humanity’s self-centered mindset and a lack of awareness. He emphasized the call for a shift in consciousness towards a deeper appreciation of our interconnectedness and collective responsibility for the planet’s future.
Former chief executive of the Conservancy Association, Lister Cheung, stressed the importance of Christians reducing their carbon footprint as an essential aspect of their stewardship role. He linked the current ecological crisis to a spiritual crisis, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to environmental care.
Professor Ng Mee-kam raised issues of social justice and land inequality as critical elements in achieving a fair and sustainable society. Yvonne Lam reflected on the delicate balance in God’s creation and cautioned against the historical tendency to exploit nature for personal gain.
The gathering also included a moment of reflection guided by Franciscan Brother William Ng, encouraging participants to connect with nature through their senses and embrace St. Francis of Assisi’s teachings on the interconnectedness of all creation.
Reverend Grace Bok from One Body in Christ called for greater collaboration between Catholic and Protestant communities in addressing environmental issues, while also acknowledging the challenges of implementing sustainable practices within church communities.
As we navigate the complexities of the ecological crisis, it is clear that a united effort among Christians is essential for creating a sustainable future for our planet. Let us heed the call to be caretakers of creation and work together towards a more harmonious relationship with the environment.
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