by Dr Severine Deneulinwith Daniel Hale

- as gift – part of creation- human dignity and the common good- in the light of human dignity- in the light of the common good

WATER

people 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 earth,

are not infinite, but on the contrary

must be saved and preserved

#8 Justice in the World (1971)

Furthermore, such is the

demand for resources and energy by the richer nations, … and such are the effects of dumping by them in the atmosphere and the sea that

irreparable damage would be done to the essential elements of life on earth,

such as air and water, if their high rates of consumption and pollution, which are constantly on the increase,

were extended to the whole of humanity.

#11 Justice in the World (1971)

water is part of nature, of the environment

The environment is a gift from the Creator

Humans do not own it but are caretakers of it

Humans are part of the created world, not above it(Genesis: Creation first, men after)

Indigenous worldview: humans and environment are one

WATER as gift

The glory of God is (wo)man fully alive

St Ireneus

Water is central to human dignity

We cannot live without access to safe water

Water is instrumental to human life

Without water, no life

WATER and human dignity

WATER and the common good

The common good is the end of political authority, the reason for which it exists

The role of government is to provide the conditions through which the good of all and each can be secured

Quadragesimo Anno (1931)

WATER and the common good

The principle of the common good is bound up with solidarity and responsibility.

Solidarity as

‘this firm and constant determination to work for the common good; that is, for the good of all and each because we are all responsible for all’

Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (1987)

We’ve only got one earth, one pool of water

Humans cannot create water

So we have duties to share the resources we have been given by the Creator (this is the ‘universal destiny of goods’) so that all can live in dignity

WATER and the common good

If God's providence bestows an unfailing supply of food on the birds of the air who neither sow nor reap,

we ought to realise that the reason for people's supply running short is human greed.

The fruits of the earth were given to feed all without distinction and nobody can claim any particular rights.

Instead, we have lost the sense of the communion of goods, rushing to turn these goods into private property

St Ambrose, On the Gospel of St Luke

So governments have a special responsibility in making sure all can live well in the dignity of children of God.

And citizens have a responsibility in making their governments accountable for providing the common good.

God has given the earth to us to enjoy and cherish, so care for God’s creation is a vital part of Christian belief. The way we live and the choices we make affect the lives of others: not only human life but also other forms of life found on earth.

As Christians, we recognise that the earth is the gift of a loving Creator and care for the environment is fundamental to the universal 'common' good.

A way of life that disregards and damages God's creation, forces the poor into greater poverty, and threatens the right of future generations to a healthy environment and to their fair share of the earth's wealth and resources, is contrary to the vision of the Gospel.

(Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Call of Creation)

We often use the word progress to describe what has taken place over the past few decades. There is no denying that in some areas our roads have improved and that electricity is more readily available. But can we say that there is it real progress? Who has benefitted most and who has borne the real costs?

The poor are as disadvantaged as ever and the natural world has been grievously wounded. We have stripped it bare, silenced its sounds and banished other creatures, from the community of the living. Through our thoughtlessness and greed we have sinned against God and His creation.’

Filipino Bishops Conference (1988)

What each individual can do

Be aware of what is happening in your area.

Do not remain silent when you see your environment being destroyed.

Use your influence within your family and community to develop this  awareness.

Avoid a fatalistic attitude.

We are people of hope, who believe that together we can change the course of events

Filipino Bishops Conference (1988)

What the Churches can do

Like every other group, the Church as a community is called to conversion around this, the ultimate pro-life issue.

The fruits of this reflection must be made widely available through our preaching and catechetical programs.

Our different liturgies must celebrate the beauty and pain of our world

our connectedness to the natural world and the on-going struggle for social justice.

Filipino Bishops Conference (1988)

What the Government can do

We ask the government not to pursue short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term ecological damage. 

Filipino Bishops Conference (1988)

This brief statement about our living world and the deterioration we see all around us attempts to reflect the cry of our people and the cry of our land.

At the root of the problem we see an exploitative mentality, which is at variance with the Gospel of Jesus.

This expresses itself in acts of violence against fellow Filipinos.

But it is not confined to the human sphere.

It also infects and poisons our relationship with our land and seas.

Filipino Bishops Conference (1988)

We reap what we sow; the results of our attitude and activities are predictable and deadly.

Our small farmers tell us that their fields are less productive and are becoming sterile.

Our fishermen are finding it increasingly difficult to catch fish.

Our lands, forests and rivers cry out that they are being eroded, denuded and polluted.

As bishops we have tried to listen and respond to their cry.

There is an urgency about this issue which calls for widespread education and immediate action.

Filipino Bishops Conference (1988)

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Get involved in the Waterproof campaign to put water for livelihoods firmly on the global agenda!

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Watch out for:

Eastertide and World Water Day resourcesWater and Development essential guideZanjero children’s challengeWater challenge for familiesTheological reflection on water

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