St. Joseph Church
Bristol, Connecticut

Deacon Robert M. Pallotti
Pastoral Minister

The topic of environmental destruction and conservation has become a frequent topic of discussion and debate locally, nationally and internationally. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church has made pronouncements concerning the environment and the call to responsible "stewardship." In 1993 the U.S. Catholic Bishops, inspired by Pope John Paul II's message of January 1, 1990 entitled, "The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility," the growing movement in the theological community of scholars to reassert the "sacramental" character of all reality, and a response to the "signs of the times", committed itself to a program for environmental responsibility and justice entitled, "A Project of the Environmental Justice Program of the United States Catholic Conference."

Major themes of Catholic Teaching Concerning the Environment

"The new technological possibilities are based upon the unity of science, on the global and simultaneous character of communications and on the birth of an absolutely interdependent economic world. Moreover, men are beginning to grasp a new and more radical dimension of unity; for they perceive that their resources, as well as the precious treasures of air and water---without which there cannot be life--and the small delicate biosphere of the whole complex of all life on the earth, are not infinite, but on the contrary must be saved and preserved as a unique patrimony belonging to all mankind."

Justice in the World, 1971, # 8

+ The biblical concept of stewardship plays a central role in Catholic teaching (Gn.2:15). This concept affirms that human beings have a unique role in creation. Human beings are to care for and cultivate the creation, one another and oneself. Nothing of creation is to be plundered or regarded as insignificant. All is to be used to bring forth a blessing. Pope John Paul II places emphasis on this in his message, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility, 1990 :

"The profound sense that the earth is "suffering" is also shared by those who do not profess our faith in God. Indeed, the increasing devastation of the world of nature is apparent to all. It results from the behavior of people who show callous disregard for the hidden, yet perceivable requirements of the order and harmony which governs nature itself." #5

+ Catholic teaching emphasizes the aesthetic value of creation. The beauty and order of creation directs us to the mediated immediacy of God's presence and beauty. It is through the experience of wonder that helps us to appreciate this theological truth.

+ All human beings are co-creators with others and the Lord in helping to build up creation as an anticipatory sign of the fullness of the transformation of creation (Romans 8) that comes with the fullness of God's Reign, anticipated in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15).

+ The responsible human activity with creation is also a recognition that we live in an interdependent system. All dimensions of existence are interconnected. What we do to the earth, we do to ourselves,, others and the creatures of the world.

+ Catholic teaching on the environment is God-centered.

+ There is a consistent respect for human life, which extends to all creation

+ Stress is placed on an ethics of solidarity promoting cooperation and a just structure of sharing in the world community.

+ There is an emphasis on a preferential option for the poor, which gives passion to the quest for an equitable and sustainable world.

+ A conception of authentic development, which offers a direction for progress that respects human dignity and the limits of material growth.

+ Combined with a call to environmental responsibility is a call for environmental justice. There is a growing awareness that environmental spoilage and destruction are often inflicted not only on the earth, but on the poor and vulnerable. Those groups at the margins of society are often the one's that suffer most from the careless destruction of the environment.

+ The Catholic Church addresses the concern for environmental justice by asserting that the goods of the earth belong to all. and that all economic development be based on promoting just, environmentally responsible and sustainable development ( cf. On Social Concerns, 1987). That environmental issues are religious and moral issues that exist in the context of the fundamental interdependence of all aspects of reality( cf. The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility, #15).

+ Catholic teaching emphasizes that such a way of life that is responsible requires conversion of hearts and structures. In the words of Pope John Paul II:

"Only in this way can we rediscover the true biblical vision of "shalom"-- the peace, wholeness, totality, and harmony of all creation restored and healed in Jesus Christ."

+ In this way Christians reflect the Triune God in the world. Christian living is about discipleship that recognizes the fundamental interdependence of all people with people, with the creation and with the Lord.

" It has a communitarian, relational context, reflecting and sharing in the life of the triune God. It aims at the integration of freedom and on the understanding that our personal moral choices are inescapably social, sometimes public, even cosmic in their effects. Discipleship is principally a response to god in Jesus, especially as embodied in the person in need and by using the gifts of the Father as occasions for grateful stewardship."

Modern Catholic Dictionary on Catholic Social Thought

Environmental Justice Definitions for Interreligious Dialogue and Praxis

Environmental Equity- An ideal of equal treatment and protection for various racial, ethnic, and income groups under environmental statutes, regulations, and practices applied in a manner that yields no substantial differential impacts relative to the dominant group--and the conditions so-created. Although environmental equity implies elements of fairness and rights, it does not necessarily address past inequities or view the environment broadly, nor does it incorporate an understanding of the underlying causes and processes.

Environmental Justice- The right to a safe, healthy, productive, and sustainable environment for all, where environment is considered in its totality to include the ecological (biological), physical (natural), social, political, aesthetic, and economic environments. Environmental justice refers to the conditions in which such a right can be freely exercised, whereby individual and group identities, needs, and dignities are preserved, fulfilled, and respected in a way that provides for self-actualization and personal and community empowerment. This term acknowledges environmental injustice as the past and present state of affairs and expresses the socio-political objectives needed to address them.

Environmental Racism- "Racial discrimination is environmental policy-making, enforcement of regulations and laws, and targeting of communities of color for toxic waste disposal and siting of polluting industries," according to Rev. Benjamin E. Chavis, Jr. Ex-Chairman of the NAACP. Racial discrimination can be intentional or unintentional and is often a manifestation of institutional racism. This term acknowledges the political reality that created and continues to perpetuate environmental inequity and injustice.

Environmental Classism- The results of and the process by which implementation of environmental policy creates intended or unintended consequences which have disproportionate impacts (adverse or beneficial) on lower income persons, populations, or communities. These disparate effects occur through various decision-making processes, program administration (e.g. Superfund clean-up schedules), and the issuance regulatory actions such as compliance inspections and other enforcement measures such as fines and penalties, and administrative and judicial orders. Flawed policies formation processes coupled with agency norms, priorities, traditions, and professional biases often make implementation subject to these disproportionate consequences.

Environmental Justice Community of Concern (EJCOC)- A neighborhood or community. composed predominantly of persons of color or a substantial proportion of persons below the poverty line, that is subjected to a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards and/or experiences a significantly reduced quality of life relative to surrounding or comparative communities. EJCOCs provide valuable opportunities to better understand environmental justice problems. EJCOCs should be targeted by policy-makers for environmental reparations or remedies to compensate or restore environmental quality to comparable levels and should be afforded special protection from additional adverse impacts.

Compiled by Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, D. Min.
Created 8/14/1998