Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Integral Ecology
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor
By Jessica Ludescher Imanaka clude integral human development as of and relationship to reality.
W
well. The framework of integral ecology Ecology, in present day usage, refers
“ e are faced not with two
separate crises: one envi-
invites us to “integrate” various dimen- to the complex relationships between
sions “into a broader vision of reality” organisms and their environments and
ronmental and the other (LS 138). Integral ecology includes ecosystems. Interestingly, the word
social, but rather with one complex multiple ecologies: environ- ecology comes from the Greek
crisis which is both social and envi- mental, economic, so- ENVIRONMENTAL oikos, meaning home, a no-
ronmental. Strategies for a solution de- cial, cultural, and daily tion that is echoed in the
mand an integrated approach to com- life (human ecol- subtitle to Laudato Si’:
bating poverty, restoring dignity to the ogy). It also “On Care for our
excluded, and at the same time protect- incorporates Common Home.”
ing nature” (Laudato Si’, para. 139). the Catholic Caring for our
Pope Francis opens Laudato Si’ by Social Teach- Common Home
Integral
describing the earth as “among the ing (CST) CULTURAL SOCIAL
thus requires
most abandoned and maltreated of our principle of
Ecology an integral ecol-
poor” (LS 2). The document frames all the common ogy: a multidis-
environmental issues within the con- good and a no- ciplinary study of
text of global inequality, emphasizing tion of intergen- the elements need-
that environmental and social degrada- erational justice. To ed to “keep” and “till”
tion affect the poor most (LS 48). The understand this con- ECONOMIC
(LS 124) our natural, ma-
concept of integral ecology helps us to cept, we need to consider terial, social, cultural, and
open our eyes to see these connections what is meant by both inte- human environments.
and invites us to make an ecological gral and ecology.
conversion. Through integral ecology Integral has multiple meanings: es- Why Integral Ecology?
we can begin “to hear both the cry of sential, intrinsic, entire, complete, Sustainability is a multidisciplinary
the earth and the cry of the poor” (LS whole, constituent of and/or necessary field studied and practiced by academ-
49). Integral ecology offers a distinctive- to the whole. As such, integral carries ics, policymakers, activists, businesses,
ly Catholic approach to sustainability. several connotations when applied to civil society organizations, and indi-
ecology. Integral ecology seems to denote vidual citizens. The term has evolved to
What is Integral Ecology? a comprehensive, holistic picture of re- consider multiple dimensions beyond
Pope Francis reframes sustainabil- ality. Such a picture would incorporate the environmental: social, economic,
ity in terms of the concept of integral the whole of ecology: everything that and cultural. Alongside sustainability,
ecology. Sustainability in Laudato Si’ ecology includes. To say that ecology is the field of environmental justice ex-
encompasses development and re- integral, is also to suggest that ecology amines how climate change and envi-
source use, but it also expands to in- itself is essential to our understanding ronmental degradation are experienced
terconnection between cultivated at all levels from the family
multiple ecologies. to the global society and future genera-
Pope Francis’ prede- tions.
cessors have repeatedly Human ecology recognizes that:
lambasted the consum- “The human environment and the nat-
erism of the wealthy and, ural environment deteriorate together;
indeed, of the middle we cannot adequately combat environ-
classes of the developed mental degradation unless we attend to
countries. Laudato Si’ the causes related to social degradation”
builds on Pope Francis’ (LS 48). These causes ultimately arise
critiques of the economy from sin: individual, social and struc-
A s
quiet, laughter, friendship. It’s not
inhabitants of Earth, we asceticism; it’s the opposite of sac-
must be willing to look rifice. Rather than forbidding our-
beyond our own immedi- selves to have things we don’t yet
ate wants, give attention to our one have, simple living is embracing all
planet, give thanks to the God-of- that we have already. It’s making a
many-names for our home, look slew of small choices about how to
at how much of Earth we are con- spend our time, how to spend our
suming for ourselves and see how money and how to invest in our
many other people remain hungry. communities.
How We See Privilege of
Simple Living Simple Living
Simple living is one of four People with fewer resources al-
core values of the Jesuit Volunteer ready live simply. It’s not a trend for
Corps (JVC) Northwest. The oth- them, not a struggle, not a noble
ers are community, social and eco- act and likely not a choice. There
logical justice and spirituality. are no books and magazines that
We see simple living as a slow- show them how to do it, or that ex-
ing down — slowing down to re- plain to them why they should. It’s
flect, to offer attention and care for not an aesthetic, it’s not a choice.
the other living things in our orbit, Those of us who can choose to live
to breathe. We see simple living as simply likely come from a place of
reveling in the miraculous abun- privilege. As such, when we take
A MATTER OF SPIRIT 3
garden; dig into Mother Earth chop wood instead of turning on the
herself. Get curious about worms, furnace and share excess logs with the
hummingbirds, bees, seasons and residents of the tent city near the high-
changing climate and weather pat- way on-ramp. We see how simply they
terns. Who grew the vegetables sit- live.
ting in plastic bags in the fridge?
Cook more with fresh ingredients Living Simply so that
— another act of simple living. We May All Simply Live
Taste the fruits of our labor, pre- Relationship is at the cornerstone of
vent food waste. Share our bountyJVC Northwest’s values; it is found at
with neighbors. the intersection of community, spiritu-
An invitation to notice people.
ality, social and ecological justice and
Put down the smart phone and simple living. None of these are possi-
look up — all around us, people. ble in the JVC Northwest context with-
out relationship. Relationship with each
Eyes, laughter, wrinkles, freckles,
other, with people on the margins, with
fears, love, tears. We give attention
God, with Earth.
to what’s behind those tears — stop
to listen to the neighbor talk aboutTo ensure a long life for our Earth,
and a long life for all people, we must
the ice storm, their family visit-
each prioritize our relationship with
ing, their dog’s illness. Half-way
FaceMePLS CC 2.0
End poverty in all its forms Reduce inequality within and among
everywhere. countries
A MATTER OF SPIRIT 5
Ending Poverty IN ALL ITS FORMS
Are We Up To the Task?
“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and
apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated
by the actions of human beings.” –Nelson Mandela
A
SDGs are an attempt to look at the is- of the excluded. These sectors are
t the turn of the new millen- sue of sustainable development in a
nium, the world’s leaders were way that incorporates its social, eco-
closely interconnected and made
increasingly fragile by dominant
determined to make a signifi- nomic and environmental dimensions political and economic relation-
cant dent in the crushing pov- in an integrated manner. ships. That is why their rights
erty that plagued such a The important point must be forcefully affirmed, by
significant percentage
1 % here is that the eco- working to protect the environ-
of the world’s popula- S T nomic dimension ment and by putting an end to
tion. The commit- must serve the exclusion…Justice contains as
E
RI
RICH
that time was beau- and planet, constant and perpetual will. Our
tifully expressed
DISTRIBUTION marking a sig- world demands of all govern-
ST 5%
in the United Na- nificant shift in ment leaders a will which is ef-
tions’ Millennium OF WEALTH global perspec- fective, practical and constant.”
Declaration. If only tive.
their actions and The work- Herein lies the rub — a lack of con-
decisions from 2000- B OT % ing definition for certed political will to make poverty
2015 had matched the T O M 95 sustainable devel- history. So where are we today in terms
eloquence of their words! opment used at the of global poverty and its impact on the
Here is some of what they said: UN is taken from the 1987 lives of so many of our brothers and sis-
We will spare no effort to free our fel- Bruntland Report, Our Common Future, ters?
low men, women and children from the “Sustainable development is develop- According to the Sustainable Devel-
abject and dehumanizing conditions of ment that meets the needs of the pres- opment Goals Report 2016,3 the interna-
extreme poverty… from the threat of ent without compromising the ability tional poverty line is currently defined
living on a planet irredeemably spoilt of future generations to meet their own as US $1.90 per day per person. Dur-
by human activities, and whose re- needs.”2 A genuine focus on the needs ing the period 2002-2012, the propor-
sources would no longer be sufficient of people as well as the limited resource tion of the global population living
for their needs. base and overall health of the planet below the poverty line was halved. The
As you will no doubt remember, the clearly challenge a business-as-usual report goes on to state that if the eco-
first of the eight UN Millennium Devel- approach. nomic growth rates observed during
opment Goals was to eradicate extreme The same day this agenda was adopt- this period continued over the next 15
poverty and hunger. Yet here we are, ed, Pope Francis addressed the General years, the global rate of extreme pov-
two years after the hoped-for realiza- Assembly and drew clear links between erty would drop to 4% by 2030. How-
tion of the MDGs, and once again the the plight of people and the condition ever, we live in a volatile world on many
eradication of poverty and hunger are of Earth. Francis spoke of fronts, and unless mechanisms are in
top on the UN’s latest development place to help ensure peoples’ resiliency
“…broad sectors which are vul-
agenda: The Sustainable Development in times of conflict, natural catastrophe
nerable, victims of power badly
Goals.1 Adopted by the General As- and economic shocks the poverty rates
A MATTER OF SPIRIT 7
We all have a shared responsibility to build a sustainable future. What steps can we take, individually,
in our communities, in our institutions and in our public policy choices to make a just and abundant
life for all? Here are some suggestions from A Primer on Sustainability available at www.ipjc.org.
thermostate
♦♦ Eat local food teeth and doing dishes
♦♦ Power down/unplug electronic
♦♦ Eat seasonal food ♦♦ No bottled water
devices (use sleep mode)
♦♦ Join a community garden ♦♦ Read labels and get less toxic
♦♦ Use timer/motion control
♦♦ Educate yourself on fishing/ cleaning products
lighting
overfishing practices
♦♦ Turn off lights
♦♦ Limit watering
♦♦ Greenscape — choose native
Community/Household
potable uses
♦♦ Minimize pavements and plant energy than used)
♦♦ Improve cooling systems
fruit trees around campus ♦♦ Take advantage of natural
♦♦ Separate out gray water for
♦♦ Designate vegetable garden ventilation for cooling
flushing toilets and yard water
space ♦♦ Save money and energy
♦♦ Treat your own waste water
♦♦ Consider rooftop gardening by generating power from
(Biosystems)
harvesting heat, a waste by-
♦♦ Use root irrigation systems
product (e.g., refrigerator)
♦♦ Walk
♦♦ Use small kitchen compost bin ♦♦ Buy Fairtrade ♦♦ Carpool/vanpool
Personal
♦♦ Compost
♦♦ Purchase in bulk or less
Community/Household
A MATTER OF SPIRIT 9
YOUTH LEAD THE WAY
Sustainable Future
FOR A
Y
ing environment bequeathed to them they value.
oung people occupy a large by past generations. Young people will There is now a growing awareness
percentage in the productive be the ones to bear the consequences of that any efforts in promoting sustainable
population of the world and current environmental decisions being development must have young people
face unprecedented challenges as a re- made by older generations. This under- at the center. Today’s young people are
sult of climate change and environmen- scores the reasons young people have making proactive efforts in addressing
tal degradation. At the beginning of both special concerns and responsibili- issues of climate change and environ-
2012, the world population surpassed ties in relation to environmental man- mental sustainability. Many young peo-
7 billion with people under the age of agement. ple are aware that the extent to which
30 accounting for more than half they address these concerns, such
of this number (50.5%). Approxi- as extreme weather events, food
mately 90% of people under 30 lived There is now a growing awareness insecurity and loss of biodiversity,
in emerging and developing econo- that any efforts in promoting will affect their lives today and have
mies in 2012, with a significant sustainable development must implications for their future. With
number in Middle East and Africa.1 have young people at the center. such consciousness among young
Young people are particularly vul- people, they now share equal re-
nerable to climate change, requiring sponsibility for addressing the envi-
support in order to successfully adapt Growing up as a child in Nigeria, ronmental crisis. Young people are get-
to the quick changes they are experi- I was diagnosed with bronchitis. For ting involved by taking actions targeted
encing. According to the United Na- years, I was advised to do breathing ex- at promoting sustainable use of our fi-
tions, a number of environmental risks ercises under a tree early in the morn- nite natural resources, participating in
and hazards disproportionately affect ing. It was not until years later that I policy formulation processes and edu-
young people, who have to live for an realized the role trees play in cleaning cating their peers on the importance of
G
tent and seems to keep coming back. course. Older people don’t always seem
ood morning, dear Mother. We So sorry, Mother. The use of harm- to get the urgency of what’s at stake. They
wanted to talk with you about ful, manufactured chemicals isn’t abat- figure they probably won’t be around for
how things are going these days ing fast enough. When you’re sick, we’re my demise. I hate to say it, but I feel like
for you. even more at risk. I’m on life support. Maybe even hospice.
M: [Coughing heavily.] Yes, well I’m glad M: Well I’m glad you understand this. It It’s that serious.
someone’s taking time to check in with doesn’t seem like the rest of the world is Oh dear.
me. [Cough, cough.] You know, I’m less paying enough attention. But you know M: I was glad to see in your news recently
protected atmospherically than before. I who does? The school children. They and the reporting on the polar ice caps melt-
think I might have the equivalent of what their teachers seem to understand the ing. That huge glacial shelf off Antarctica
A MATTER OF SPIRIT 11
CBD CC BY SA 3.0
will soon be floating in the warming wa- ing. Look at the rise of the oceans — as sets Brother Sun brings you. Observe the
ter. And my poor polar bears! They are the ice melts, more flooding happens and various phases of Sister Moon. Check out
so confused, trying to find habitat that’s oceanic turbulence results. Tidal waves the stars in the heavens. The Universe
stable and cold enough for them to roam roar forth. Very destructive. We’re back is utterly amazing! God has created all
in. They’re dying, you know. to the problem of carbon emissions and of this. I am just one of many planets
That’s another frightening fact, along greenhouse gases. It’s cause and effect, suspended in space, but I am amazing
with the monster fish that are emerg- you know. and majestic. I am also very vulnerable.
ing, and the frogs that have too many [Nodding in agreement.] What is When you really get to know me and love
appendages, and the other creatures your deepest longing, Mother Earth? me in depth, you’ll stop doing things that
that are moving toward extinction. Pes- M: Just like you, I live with anxiety that hurt me and hurt you.
ticides are at fault. Back in 1964 Rachel some so-called leader, somewhere on this You know, so many of you just get too
Carson warned us about the dangers of beautiful planet, is going to explode a busy to enjoy me. I hope sauntering will
their use as we tried to solve one health thermonuclear hole so large it will kill become more important than hiking. Did
problem but created many more. you know that the word is associated
M: Yes, modern science has some- with pilgrimages in the Middle Ages?
times been inflated with its skill in The Universe is utterly amazing! When pilgrims were asked where they
creating new compounds but I find God has created all of this. were going they replied: “A la sainte
one of the biggest ways humans have terre.” To the Holy Land. To saunter
gotten off track in their ability to see is to take one’s time, to look about in
the sacredness of all creation is the way me, you, and all life in its path. I could wonder. You people should do more of
some people have interpreted a word in get really depressed thinking about hu- that. It was one of the things the natu-
your Bible. mankind’s ignorance, greed, lust for pow- ralist John Muir encouraged. And don’t
Our Bible? er, and just plain short-sightedness. You forget that old Joni Mitchell song. [She
M: Yes. That word in Genesis about man may well kill off each other and me. In starts humming.]
having “dominion.” Totally misguided! fact, I think it’s being done slowly, day by What Joni Mitchell song?
People have been trying to control me day. But lately — and it’s taken me thou- M: You know — “Don’t it always seem
ever since. Trying to harness this and sands of years to get to this point — I see to go, that you don’t know what you’ve
harness that — as if you all could domi- the fear that drives so many of you. I’m got ’til it’s gone? They paved paradise and
nate me. I so wish people could under- trying to be more compassionate toward put up a parking lot.” (Yellow Taxi 1970)
stand they need to work with me, not try myself and you. I’m trying to be kinder. I Hmm. Yes. Now that’s going to be
to bully me into submission. I’m really just want you to enjoy my beautiful flow- with me all day. Do you see any trend-
tired of being abused. ers. I want you to walk barefoot in clear ing toward greater consciousness on
Oh. streams, I want to you feel the moisture our part? Any movement toward pro-
M: The unusual storm patterns and tem- and the minerals in my humus, to sense tecting you and safeguarding your
perature changes that living beings are the breezes that warm your skin, the health?
experiencing are not because I’m pun- rain that nurtures your fields, to gaze at M: Yes, big things and little things are
ishing you. Let’s be clear about that. I’m snow on mountains that melts to nourish happening, and it’s important to lift them
not a vindictive parent. These changes valleys below. I want you to spend time up. I was thrilled to see all those people
occur because of what humankind is do- with me. Look at the sunrises and sun- joined in solidarity at Standing Rock. Is a
A MATTER OF SPIRIT 13
``Courage & Compassion in the Midst ``Young Adults
of Fear: Interfaith Prayer Service
On February 19,
the 75th anniver-
sary of Execu-
tive Order 9066
which sent thou-
sands of Japanese
citizens to intern-
ment camps, we
gathered at First
United Method-
ist Church for
powerful testimony from Sr. Ubax Gardheere of Seattle’s Office Over President’s Day Weekend, IPJC co-sponsored a retreat for
of Planning & Community Development, Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen of young adults with our Jesuit Partners at St. Joseph Parish Se-
the Temple De Hirsch Sinai and Natch Ohno, SJ of Seattle Uni- attle and Maryknoll. The theme was “Rooted in Peace.” Eliza-
versity. Following the service, organized by IPJC, Kids 4 Peace, beth Murphy, IPJC Staff, co-led a session with Anna Johnson of
Maryknoll and the Archdiocesan Missions Office, we walked in Maryknoll: “If you want peace, work for justice.”
pilgrimage to the Seattle Center where over 1200 gathered for
“Never Again: Japanese American WWII History and American
Muslim Rights Today” sponsored by Densho and WA-CAIR.
Download Justice for Women Holy Names Academy Sophomore Social Justice Committee
Winter 2017 Newsletter invited students to participate in IPJC’s monthly Human
at www.ipjc.org Trafficking Vigil at Westlake Park, Seattle.
rt
Seattle University
If you are looking for a prac- Campion Hall
tical tool to assist you in mak- 914 E Jefferson St
ing your portfolio more sus- Seattle, WA 98122
tainable, download the 2017 6:30pm Gathering
Proxy Resolutions and Voting Guide from 7:00pm Dinner
the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) We
made
were Dinner $60
which contains the 283 shareholder resolutions filed by Invitations were mailed.
NWCRI and ICCR members. Shareholders filed a record
104 resolutions addressing climate-related topics.
for these times RSVP by April 19 at
www.ipjc.org
Filings on water-related topics doubled this year, due to
concern over water impacts and indigenous people’s rights
related to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline ``Sembrando y Cosechando Bienestar
and how it is being financed. Over 100 Lati-
Filings on health-related issues were up sharply as a re- nas participat-
sult of an investor push on drug pricing transparency with ed in “Sowing
major US pharma companies. The resolutions were chal- and Harvest-
lenged and won’t be on the proxy, but the shareholder ad- ing Wellbe-
vocacy did receive a great deal of attention. ing,” a forum
Be an active shareholder and vote your proxies. An where immi-
abstention is counted as a vote for management. grant farm-
worker wom-
en broke the
``A Primer on Sustainability silence about
WW Tips for Fostering Sustainability sexual harassment of agricultural workers in Washington State.
WW History Women farmworkers are a vulnerable minority in the agricul-
WW Glossary of Terms tural industry where they face higher risks of sexual harassment
WW Continuum of Actions for Water & because they are low-income, non-English speaking, and work
Energy Choices in male-dominated environments. IPJC collaborated with anti-
WW Video, Movie, Books, Websites sexual assault coalitions, legal services offices, the US Equal Em-
Resources ployment Opportunity Commission and the Washington State
WW Sustainable Development Goals Human Rights Commission in presenting this forum in the low-
WW Theological & Ethical Perspectives er Yakima Valley region.
Download Booklet www.ipjc.org/Sustainability_booklet.pdf
``Donations
``Stations of the Cross with All of Creation In honor of: Patty Bowman, Judy Byron, OP, Linda Haydock,
Reflect on Jesus’ journey and the suffering of Stations
of the Cro
SNJM, MacGillivray Family, Northwest Coalition for Respon-
people and Earth today.
with All
of Creat
ss
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A MATTER OF SPIRIT 15
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global perspective.” How can we begin
Benedictine Sisters of
he Sustainable Development Goals to shift our thinking to encompass the
Cottonwood, Idaho
Benedictine Sisters of Lacey
(SDGs), adopted in 2015 by the need to stand in solidarity with both
Benedictine Sisters of
United Nations, are designed to the environment and those on the
Mt. Angel end poverty, to protect the planet and to margins?
Dominican Sisters of ensure prosperity for all. The SDGs serve
Mission San Jose as a blueprint for our shared commitment WW It’s up to all of us — government, busi-
Dominican Sisters of San Rafael to peace and justice — now and for future ness and civil society — to realize the
Sinsinawa Dominicans generations. SDGs by 2030. What is one action you
Sisters of Charity of the Gather a small group to read and reflect can take to help facilitate the global
Blessed Virgin Mary on the Sustainable Development Goals on shift needed for the SDGs to be met?
Sisters of St. Francis of
page 5. Consider the following questions
Redwood City
for reflection: After your discussion, we encourage you
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
to take time to practice the Meditation
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Society of the Holy Child Jesus
WW The SDGs remind us that sustainabil- for Spending Time with Mother Earth by
Sisters of the Presentation,
ity goes beyond environmental conser- Gretchen Gundrum on page 13.
San Francisco vation. Choose one
Society of the Sacred Heart of the Goals. Why do
Ursuline Sisters of the you think this SDG is “We are the first generation that
can end poverty, and the last one
Roman Union vital for future gen-
EDITORIAL BOARD erations.
Patty Bowman
that can take steps to avoid the worst impacts
Timnit Ghermay WW Sr. Margaret Mayce of climate change… This must be a
reminds us, “The im-
time for global action. Future generations
Gretchen Gundrum
Vince Herberholt portant point here is
Tom Hulscher that the economic di- will judge us harshly if we fail to meet our
Nick Mele mension must serve obligation.”
Janet Quillian the needs of people
Editor: Elizabeth Murphy and planet, marking Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon
Layout: David Schott a significant shift in