Jesus` commandment to “love one`s neighbor” is not limited to others; It extends to all facets of creation. We are called to live in a mutually enriching relationship with all creation in the spirit of integral ecology. It challenges us to ecological conversion: a new way of seeing, thinking and acting. Through the lenses of integral ecology, the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor is a cry because everything is connected deep in the web of life. How to define an order that leads to development? It is a certain ethical vision that we have of creation, of life and of human society, a certain vision of the world. The ethical vision we have of our world is the raison d`être and the foundation of development. This view must become a moral obligation of planned action so that the ethical vision can become a reality. It is not the purpose of this paper to address the whole debate on natural law and a common moral basis for a pluralistic society; However, this is the basic idea of our theme. To believe in the integrity of all creation, it is fundamental to believe in the integrity of all creation that all creation is holy because God is the Creator of life and creation is a source of God`s revelation.
Integrity of creation. Integrity refers to the rational use of creation, a use that respects its purpose and destiny and takes into account the needs of future generations. Creation requires cooperation in a continuous process and contribution to the realization of unfinished potential. With the passage of this 2002 Earth Charter Chapter Resolution, the Sisters of Notre Dame School joined countless others around the world in achieving ecological awareness and global justice. The General Chapter called her sisters to a way of life in the world more deeply rooted in thought, action and life in the right relationship with all forms of life. It was a call to conversion of all paths that show a lack of respect and reverence for all creation at this time. The call to conversion must be both personal and communal, rooted in contemplation as a way of life that leads to a change of attitude, relationship and structure in life. “The Integrity of God`s Creation” is a section of Keith Miller`s The Theological Implications of an Evolving Creation.
In recent years, we have recognized that commitment to the integrity of creation must be at the heart of our work for justice and peace in today`s world. As Jesus` desire for all to be one becomes more and more ours, our quest for unity embraces all of humanity and all of creation. (You are sent, Constitution 9) At the heart of the belief in the integrity of all creation is the Christian conviction that all creation is holy because God is the Creator of life. Similarly, SSND believes that all life forms are integrally connected to each other and to God. As Christian women of faith and hope, they proclaim that respect for the integrity of creation is a moral issue (Pope John Paul II). It demands an end to dualism and all forms of oppression and exploitation, and calls for the personal and collective conversion of an “arrogant eye to a loving eye”, to new thinking and new life. Solidarity with all creation and ecological conversion imply action. It is not only a radical reorientation of thought, and it is not only the discovery of a new capacity to feel non-human creation. Both emerge from personal, political and ecclesial action” (Denis Edwards, Ecology at the Heart of Faith). Holy Spirit, by your light, you lead this world to the love of the Father and you accompany creation in its laborious sighs.
You also dwell in our hearts and inspire us to do good. Caring for nature is part of a way of life that includes the ability to live together and in community. Jesus reminded us that we have God as our common Father and that makes us brothers and sisters. Brotherly love can only be free; It can never be a way to repay others for what they have done or will do for us. That is why it is possible to love our enemies. This gratuitousness inspires us to love and accept the wind, the sun and the clouds, even if we cannot control them. In this sense, we can speak of a “universal brotherhood”. (Pope Francis, Laudato Si`, 228) It is also worth noting the actions taken by Mankato Province on behalf of the Earth.
Although these actions were carried out before the resolution of the Earth Charter chapter, they are good examples of SSND`s concern for the integrity of creation.