Laudato Si’
Integral Ecology is at the heart of our Mercy mission and faith tradition as we continue to protect and cocreate “A place to call home”. Integral Ecology recognises the interconnection and interdependence of Earth’s natural systems (eg weather) and human made systems (eg economy) along with our spirituality and faith traditions.
We are “all together one” in the universe, united by our common origins and a shared spark within for the regeneration of all life on Earth. Around this campfire there is a leader in every chair, ready to serve.
We recognise that the cry of Earth and the cry of those rendered poor are one cry. We find ourselves in “one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” (LS, 139)
Our Mercy values align with Integral Ecology, and the theology and spirituality which underpin it. Our Constitutions state: “We know that as members of the Earth community, we are integrally connected with each other and with the whole of creation” (Const 2. 02).
We also recognise that “[l]living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional extra or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience” (LS, 217). It arises out of our commitment to gospel justice and our contemplative stance towards the mystery of God as revealed in the ongoing story of the universe.
In addition to completing our advocacy work, on-ground projects and achieving targets, we turn our attention now to live into the realities and uncertainties happening around us and our deep desire to love this world.
“My work is loving the world…
Let me keep my mind on what matters,
Which is my work,
Which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.”
Mary Oliver
Through this we are drawn into communion, a relationship with people, all of creation and divine mystery as it unfolds, regardless of the outcome. This wonder leads to our living of the Eighth work of Mercy, “Give Mercy to our Common Home”.
Read more in our newly released Integral Ecology Framework – Integral Ecology Framework-2025