HONG KONG (SE): Before the end of the Season of Creation on October 4, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development, along with the environmental concern group of the Hong Kong Christian Council organised an ecumenical prayer meeting to call for the collaborative efforts of Christians to respond to the ecological crisis with action.
During the prayer gathering at St. Francis of Assisi Church on October 3 in Shek Kip Mei, Catholic and Protestant leaders were asked to share their thoughts and explore the interconnectedness of faith, environmental responsibility, and social justice.
In his reflections about environmental degradation, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing referenced Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, which points out that environmental challenges stem from humanity’s self-centred mindset, a lack of awareness of the crisis, a desire to dominate nature, and government policies focused solely on economic growth.
The bishop reminded those present that the encyclical, published a decade ago, already warned us that human consciousness must shift towards a deeper recognition of our common roots and collective future for this awareness to lead to new beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyles.
He also highlighted the urgency of ecological conversion, urging individuals to embrace their role as caretakers of God’s creation. He also called for policy changes and interfaith cooperation to address environmental issues.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing referenced Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, which points out that environmental challenges stem from humanity’s self-centred mindset, a lack of awareness of the crisis, a desire to dominate nature, and government policies focused solely on economic growth
However, Bishop Ha concluded with a hopeful message, reminding us that God is with us, encouraging us to search for new paths and embrace the call to action.
Former chief executive of the Conservancy Association, Lister Cheung, stated that it is a must for Christians to reduce their carbon footprint since God intended to create a beautiful environment. Human beings are considered part of this creation, but they are distinct due to their role as stewards and their capacity to reflect God’s image.
Cheung said that the ecological crisis results from a spiritual crisis, characterised by a lack of love and compassion. She reminded people that God created a cycle for everything but did not create waste, which is in fact a resource. Several keys to sustainable living include reducing the use of resources, reusing them, and recycling them.
Considering that the deferred government municipal solid waste charging could have been an effective way to reduce waste, she urged Christians to adopt an attitude of environment friendliness.
Another speaker, Professor Ng Mee-kam, of the Department of Geography and Resource Management at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, pointed out that God’s created nature contributes to the well-being of mankind in both spiritual and physical ways. Even though a healthy environment is a universal need, she criticised the unequal access to that environment based on social hierarchy.
[Lister Cheung] reminded people that God created a cycle for everything but did not create waste, which is in fact a resource. Several keys to sustainable living include reducing the use of resources, reusing them, and recycling them
She advocates for a balanced approach, showing the importance of land as a fundamental resource, as “land justice” is a key component of achieving a healthy environment and community for all individuals to thrive.
Yvonne Lam, of the Hong Kong Nature Conservationists Christian Fellowship, said that creation can speak through God’s delicate designs, such as the flow of air currents over the Earth, tree forms, and the balance of animals in the food chain.
As she pointed out, science is the exploration of the world created by God, and that environmental crises result primarily from human beings attempting to manipulate the rules established by God for their own purposes, like during the Industrial Revolution beginning in the 18th century.
She urged those present to see God’s design and reminded people to set aside their own desires and humbly follow God’s plan.
Franciscan Brother William Ng guided the participants in the reflection of the five senses by asking them to experience the flow of air and water in our bodies, as well as the earth under their feet, and asked them to meditate on the words of St. Francis who regarded the elements of nature as brothers and sisters.
An ecumenical prayer concluded the reflection, acknowledging God as the creator of all life and calling for repentance for mistreating the Earth. It asked for God’s guidance to recognise the interconnectedness of all living beings, heal the wounds inflicted upon the environment, embrace hope, and act with compassion towards the Earth and its inhabitants.
Reverend Grace Bok of One Body in Christ, who helped draft the ecumenical prayers for the day, said there is a need for collaboration between Catholics and Protestant groups to address environmental concerns. However, she also acknowledged the challenges of implementing environmental practices even within Church communities, citing examples like the overuse of air conditioning and paper tissues. She called for lifestyle changes as these only need small efforts in daily life.
