Ecology

Ecology header

Care of the environment is an integral part of the Jesuit mission. It affects the quality of our relationship with God, with other human beings and with creation itself. It touches the core of our faith in and love for God, making it impossible for us to watch passively as the drive to access sources of energy and other natural resources increasingly damages the earth, air, water to the point that the future of our planet is threatened.

Poisoned water, polluted air, widespread deforestation, deposits of atomic and toxic waste are causing death and untold suffering. Many poor communities have been displaced, and indigenous peoples are the most affected.

In August 2010, the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific laid out our strategy for achieving “Reconciliation with Creation” in three broad themes − our institutions and lifestyle; education programmes for young people, both lay people and scholastics; and the governance of natural resources.

Our work towards Reconciliation with Creation is supported by or executed in collaboration with other Jesuit organisations including:

  • Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific, the network of Jesuit higher educational institutions and endeavours within the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific that supports and promotes Jesuit higher education in this region

  • Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, an office in the Jesuit Curia in Rome that supports and encourages Jesuits and partners in their work for justice, peace and environmental care

  • Global Ignatian Advocacy Networks, a set of theme-based networks set up under the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat at the end of 2008 to use advocacy as an instrument to foster the Society of Jesus' mission in the service of faith and justice

  • Eco-Jesuit, a joint effort initiated by the Jesuit European Office and the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific to encourage communication and information sharing among Jesuits and friends working in the area of ecology

Our Environmental Way of Proceeding is rooted in our spirituality, which deepens our response to the challenge of achieving reconciliation with creation in the way we live.