<\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
\n![\"Integral](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/vitor-pinto-mdwmxPT5lvI-unsplash-e1603812309695.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Integral Ecology: Linking Our Environments<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Two Environments Intimately Connected<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nWhile there are individuals and organizations devoted to the care of our physical environment<\/span><\/a> and others dedicated to nurturing the more important human environment<\/span><\/a>, the Church has made clear: “Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person”. (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis is the basis of integral ecology<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIt All Begins with Human Dignity<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nPope Francis emphasizes how “The neglect of creation and social injustices influence each other”. (Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the Laudato Si’ Communities)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIndeed, “If an appreciation of the value of the human person and of human life is lacking, we will also lose interest in…the earth itself.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 13)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Holy Father warns that “Unless we struggle with these deeper issues, I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results.” (Laudato Si’, 160)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhy Are We in Trouble?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nOur problems arise from the “ethical\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>cultural\u00a0<\/span>decline\u00a0which has\u00a0<\/span>accompanied the deterioration of the <\/span>environment.” <\/span>(Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“We are faced\u2026with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” (Pope Francis, 139)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, many individuals and organizations, who work diligently to improve our environments, only deal with at the surface level. Pope Francis points to the deeper and true issue; “Men and women of our postmodern world run the risk of rampant individualism, and many problems of society are connected with today\u2019s self-centered culture of instant gratification.” (Laudato Si’, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAs Pope Benedict XVI pointed out, “It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other.” He lamented the “grave contradiction in our mentality and practice today: one which demeans the person, disrupts the environment and damages society.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“We are faced…with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” Pope Francis<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWe Must Unite the Human & Physical Environments<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n“We are called not only to respect the natural environment but also\u2026our human family\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Since everything is closely interrelated\u2026I suggest that we now consider some elements of an integral ecology, which clearly respects human and social dimensions\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis, 137)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“The Church is not only committed to promoting the protection of land, water and air\u2026above all she\u2026works\u2026to protect mankind from self-destruction.” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Should I Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>First, understand the profound insight that is integral ecology. This is a huge step forward.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSecond, we are called to learn and practice Catholic social teaching in our lives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThird, we must act “in a responsible way… deconstructing political ideologies that supplant truth… [and] fostering a commitment to the principles of natural law… all consistent with the respect for the dignity of the human person.” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nContemplation & Compassion<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Pope Francis gives us two “key words” to ponder while determining our response to the environmental crisis: “contemplation and compassion”. (Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the Laudato Si’ Communities)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“To contemplate is to gift oneself with time to be silent, to pray, to restore harmony to the soul, the healthy balance between head, heart and hands, between thought, feeling and action.” (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Compassion is not a nice sentiment, it is not pietism; it is creating new bonds with others. And taking responsibility for them.” (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line of Integral Ecology<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n“[T]he book of nature is one and indivisible: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\nCatholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Integral Ecology: Linking Our Environments<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Two Environments Intimately Connected<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nWhile there are individuals and organizations devoted to the care of our physical environment<\/span><\/a> and others dedicated to nurturing the more important human environment<\/span><\/a>, the Church has made clear: “Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person”. (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis is the basis of integral ecology<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIt All Begins with Human Dignity<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nPope Francis emphasizes how “The neglect of creation and social injustices influence each other”. (Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the Laudato Si’ Communities)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIndeed, “If an appreciation of the value of the human person and of human life is lacking, we will also lose interest in…the earth itself.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 13)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Holy Father warns that “Unless we struggle with these deeper issues, I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results.” (Laudato Si’, 160)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhy Are We in Trouble?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nOur problems arise from the “ethical\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>cultural\u00a0<\/span>decline\u00a0which has\u00a0<\/span>accompanied the deterioration of the <\/span>environment.” <\/span>(Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“We are faced\u2026with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” (Pope Francis, 139)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, many individuals and organizations, who work diligently to improve our environments, only deal with at the surface level. Pope Francis points to the deeper and true issue; “Men and women of our postmodern world run the risk of rampant individualism, and many problems of society are connected with today\u2019s self-centered culture of instant gratification.” (Laudato Si’, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAs Pope Benedict XVI pointed out, “It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other.” He lamented the “grave contradiction in our mentality and practice today: one which demeans the person, disrupts the environment and damages society.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“We are faced…with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” Pope Francis<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWe Must Unite the Human & Physical Environments<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n“We are called not only to respect the natural environment but also\u2026our human family\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Since everything is closely interrelated\u2026I suggest that we now consider some elements of an integral ecology, which clearly respects human and social dimensions\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis, 137)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“The Church is not only committed to promoting the protection of land, water and air\u2026above all she\u2026works\u2026to protect mankind from self-destruction.” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Should I Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>First, understand the profound insight that is integral ecology. This is a huge step forward.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSecond, we are called to learn and practice Catholic social teaching in our lives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThird, we must act “in a responsible way… deconstructing political ideologies that supplant truth… [and] fostering a commitment to the principles of natural law… all consistent with the respect for the dignity of the human person.” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nContemplation & Compassion<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Pope Francis gives us two “key words” to ponder while determining our response to the environmental crisis: “contemplation and compassion”. (Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the Laudato Si’ Communities)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“To contemplate is to gift oneself with time to be silent, to pray, to restore harmony to the soul, the healthy balance between head, heart and hands, between thought, feeling and action.” (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Compassion is not a nice sentiment, it is not pietism; it is creating new bonds with others. And taking responsibility for them.” (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line of Integral Ecology<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n“[T]he book of nature is one and indivisible: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\nCatholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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\nWhile there are individuals and organizations devoted to the care of our physical environment<\/span><\/a> and others dedicated to nurturing the more important human environment<\/span><\/a>, the Church has made clear: “Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person”. (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
This is the basis of integral ecology<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, “If an appreciation of the value of the human person and of human life is lacking, we will also lose interest in…the earth itself.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 13)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Holy Father warns that “Unless we struggle with these deeper issues, I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results.” (Laudato Si’, 160)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “We are faced\u2026with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” (Pope Francis, 139)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n However, many individuals and organizations, who work diligently to improve our environments, only deal with at the surface level. Pope Francis points to the deeper and true issue; “Men and women of our postmodern world run the risk of rampant individualism, and many problems of society are connected with today\u2019s self-centered culture of instant gratification.” (Laudato Si’, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n As Pope Benedict XVI pointed out, “It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other.” He lamented the “grave contradiction in our mentality and practice today: one which demeans the person, disrupts the environment and damages society.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “We are faced…with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” Pope Francis<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n “Since everything is closely interrelated\u2026I suggest that we now consider some elements of an integral ecology, which clearly respects human and social dimensions\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis, 137)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “The Church is not only committed to promoting the protection of land, water and air\u2026above all she\u2026works\u2026to protect mankind from self-destruction.” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Second, we are called to learn and practice Catholic social teaching in our lives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Third, we must act “in a responsible way… deconstructing political ideologies that supplant truth… [and] fostering a commitment to the principles of natural law… all consistent with the respect for the dignity of the human person.” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “To contemplate is to gift oneself with time to be silent, to pray, to restore harmony to the soul, the healthy balance between head, heart and hands, between thought, feeling and action.” (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “Compassion is not a nice sentiment, it is not pietism; it is creating new bonds with others. And taking responsibility for them.” (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “[T]he book of nature is one and indivisible: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]It All Begins with Human Dignity<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nPope Francis emphasizes how “The neglect of creation and social injustices influence each other”. (Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the Laudato Si’ Communities)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhy Are We in Trouble?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nOur problems arise from the “ethical\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>cultural\u00a0<\/span>decline\u00a0which has\u00a0<\/span>accompanied the deterioration of the <\/span>environment.” <\/span>(Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWe Must Unite the Human & Physical Environments<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n“We are called not only to respect the natural environment but also\u2026our human family\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Should I Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>First, understand the profound insight that is integral ecology. This is a huge step forward.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nContemplation & Compassion<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Pope Francis gives us two “key words” to ponder while determining our response to the environmental crisis: “contemplation and compassion”. (Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the Laudato Si’ Communities)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line of Integral Ecology<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
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