Hearing the cry of the earth: A call to radical response

Aug 30, 2024

Prayer Prism - Fr Fabian Dicom
This September, Pope Francis calls us to turn our attention to a plea that resounds not just from distant lands but from our very doorstep: the cry of the Earth. As we reflect on this prayer intention, it’s more than just a call to spiritual reflection — it’s a summons to action, to a transformation in how we live in harmony with creation, especially here in Malaysia.

A Scriptural Mandate for Stewardship
The Bible reminds us that creation is a divine gift. In Genesis, we are entrusted with the earth, not to dominate it but to steward it. Psalm 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” This scripture lays the foundation for our role as caretakers, not owners, of creation.

St Paul describes how “the whole creation has been groaning” (Romans 8:22), a groan that today manifests in the environmental crises we witness. From the alarming frequency of floods to the devastating haze that chokes our cities, the signs of this groaning are all around us.

Reflections from Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum
Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, calls for an “ecological conversion” — a fundamental change in how we view and interact with the environment. He speaks against the “throwaway culture” that prioritises profit over people and the planet, urging us to adopt sustainable practices.

This call to care for creation is not just an environmental issue but a spiritual and moral one. Our love for God cannot be separated from our care for His creation.

The Malaysian situation: Apathy amid crisis
Environmental degradation in Malaysia presents a multifaceted challenge, marked by issues such as rampant deforestation, pollution from industrial activities, and the increasingly visible impacts of climate change. Despite the urgency of these problems, the response from both the government and the public has often been inadequate. This can be attributed to several factors, including economic priorities, corruption, inconsistent enforcement of environmental regulations, and a general lack of public awareness.

The Malaysian government has introduced various policies aimed at sustainable development and conservation, yet these efforts frequently fall short of what is necessary. Meenakshi Raman, President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and a leading environmentalist, has been a staunch critic of these shortcomings. She argues that while policies may exist on paper, they often lack the necessary rigor and enforcement to be truly effective.

For example, one of the critical issues Meenakshi has highlighted is the ongoing deforestation driven by palm oil plantations and logging. Despite regulations, illegal logging continues, contributing to the loss of biodiversity and worsening the effects of climate change. In both East and West Malaysia, vast tracts of rainforest have been cleared, not only destroying habitats but also displacing indigenous communities who rely on these forests for their livelihoods.

Meenakshi has also been vocal about the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalised communities in Malaysia. These communities, often residing in rural or low-lying areas, are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental crises such as floods, landslides, and pollution. For instance, the frequent and severe flash floods in Malaysia, worsened by poor urban planning and climate change, disproportionately affect lower-income communities. These floods cause significant damage to homes, disrupt livelihoods, and lead to long-term socio-economic consequences, particularly for those who lack the resources to rebuild their lives.

The intersection of environmental degradation with social justice is a central theme in Meenakshi’s advocacy. She argues that the environmental crisis in Malaysia is not just about conservation but also about protecting the rights and livelihoods of the most vulnerable. This perspective aligns with the broader global call for ecological justice, as articulated in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which emphasises the need to care for both the environment and the poor. There is an undeniable nexus between the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

Magdalene Chiang, the Penang State Coordinator for the Commission for Creation Justice – Diocese of Penang, echoes these concerns. “I cry every day, asking God why it is so difficult to penetrate society and enlighten them that our current lifestyle is unsustainable,” she laments. She emphasises that our exploitation of natural resources for selfish gain has led to severe consequences, including global warming, flash floods, and food scarcity, which hit the poor hardest.

The Church’s Response in Malaysia
The Catholic Church in Malaysia has been actively engaged in various environmental initiatives and projects, especially in response to the climate crisis.

Ecological Diocese Pledge
In July 2023, all nine bishops of Malaysia signed the Ecological Diocese Pledge, committing their dioceses to ecological sustainability. This pledge is part of a broader commitment to live out deep ecological spirituality and advance ecological justice across the nation. The pledge includes protocols for creating ecological dioceses and parishes, focusing on reducing carbon footprints and building community resilience. This initiative aligns with the universal Catholic Church’s efforts to respond to the environmental crisis as emphasised in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.

PROTEC Campaign
We are now coming into the fifth year of the Protect Our Earth, Protect Our Children (PROTEC) Campaign with the theme: Use Less Paper and Wood. This theme runs for one year from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. PROTEC Year 5 will be launched on Sept 1 with Mass at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Kuala Lumpur. This launch will coincide with the 2024 Season of Creation (Sept 1 to Oct 4) with the theme: To hope and act with creation.

The Episcopal Commission for Creation Justice (ECCJ) has been leading the way with its PROTEC campaign since 2020. The Year 5 theme continues the call to action for all Catholics in Malaysia to adopt more sustainable practices. This campaign includes various activities aimed at promoting environmental consciousness among the faithful, highlighting the urgent need for lifestyle changes to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Local Environmental Activities On the ground, various parishes and dioceses have been organising grassroots environmental activities. The Diocese of Malacca Johore, for instance, has engaged in tangible efforts like mangrove replanting projects, which are crucial for combating coastal erosion and supporting biodiversity. These initiatives are integral to the Church’s mission in Malaysia to care for creation. However, these initiatives need to be more widespread and consistent. We must prioritise environmental education within our communities, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and lead by example in adopting sustainable practices within our institutions.

The Role of Leadership
In this movement, the leadership of the Church is pivotal. Bishop Joseph Hii, President of the Episcopal Commission for Creation Justice, has been a strong advocate for environmental care, urging the faithful to see creation care as integral to their faith. He emphasises that caring for the environment is not just a task for activists but a responsibility for every Christian. Bishop Joseph’s advocacy and example serve as a powerful reminder of the Church’s responsibility to lead by example in caring for creation.

A Call to Action: Beyond Apathy
As we reflect on the Pope’s prayer intention this month, let us not be content with just words. The cry of the Earth is a cry for justice — a plea for a radical change in how we live and relate to creation. The situation is dire, and our response must be rooted in prayer, education, advocacy, and tangible actions.

We are called to be stewards of creation, to protect and care for the world entrusted to us. Let us commit to making the necessary changes, advocating for those who are most vulnerable, and ensuring that our actions reflect our faith. The future of our planet, and the lives of countless people, depend on it.

In the words of Magdalene Chiang, “We need to change. We must examine our consciences and ask ourselves if we are doing the right thing. Let us pray and have hope, continuing to take action to care for God’s creation. I believe that one day, God will awaken us from our ignorance, leading to a breakthrough for a better world to come.” May our prayers this month be the seeds of a new, just, and sustainable world.


Volunteers participating in the tree-planting initiative at Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve.