Laudato Si’ and Beyond: An Interfaith Exploration of Integral Ecology and its Implications for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.123.18368Keywords:
Integral Ecology, Sustainable Development, Environmental Justice, Catholic Social Teaching, Interfaith DialogueAbstract
This qualitative research explores the concept of integral ecology, as outlined in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, and its implications for peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). The study examines two case studies, the Green Belt Movement in Kenya and the Jesuit-run Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat in Rome, to demonstrate the practical applications of integral ecology in promoting sustainable development and social justice. The research integrates insights from various scholarly voices and explores the diversity of interpretations within different Christian denominations. The study finds that Integral ecology provides a holistic approach to understanding the relationships between human dignity, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The case studies highlight the importance of community-led initiatives, environmental justice, and advocacy and community engagement in promoting sustainable development and social justice. The research contributes to the growing body of research on integral ecology and its implications for sustainable development and social justice, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).
References
Beisner, E. C. (2011). What is the most important environmental problem? In J. Coffey & R. Cudney (Eds.), Environmental Stewardship (pp. 19-34). Eugene, OR: Wipf& Stock.
Berry, T. (1999). The great work: Our way into the future. New York, NY: Bell Tower.
Boff, L. (1987). Passion of Christ, passion of the world: The facts, their interpretation, and their meaning yesterday and today. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.
Cizik, R. (2009). The role of faith in environmental sustainability. In R. Gottlieb (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of religion and ecology (pp. 571-586). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
DeWitt, C. B. (1998). Caring for creation: Responsible stewardship of God’s handiwork. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Francis. (2015). Laudato Si’: On care for our common home. Vatican City: Vatican Press.
Gutiérrez, G. (1973). A theology of liberation: History, politics, and salvation. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
International Monetary Fund. (2020). Fiscal policies for Paris climate strategies – from principle to practice. Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.
Maathai, W. (2003). The Green Belt Movement: Sharing the approach and the experience. New York, NY: Lantern Books.
McFague, S. (2008). A new climate for theology: God, the world, and global warming. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
Northcott, M. S. (2013). A political theology of climate change. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Paul VI. (1967). Populorumprogressio. Vatican City: Vatican Press.
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. (2011). Towards reforming the international financial and monetary systems in the context of a global public authority. Vatican City: Vatican Press.
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable development goals. New York, NY: United Nations.
World Bank. (2019). Global economic prospects: Heightened tensions, subdued investment. Washington, DC: World Bank.
World Council of Churches. (2014). The economy of life: An urgent call for action. Geneva, Switzerland: World Council of Churches.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Kemigisha Susan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
