From Human Fraternity to Universal Fraternity

A short contribution I gave in the context of the International Day of Human Fraternity last 4th Feb 2023 during an event organised by the New Humanity NGO

(from 50’40” to 54’33”)

The climate and ecological crisis represent one of the most critical and urgent problems of our times.

In the face of this unprecedented emergency, individuals and communities are urged to take ambitious climate action at all levels.

Worldwide, people of all faiths and none are engaging to bring about change for people and the planet.

So, it is only fitting that a day dedicated to human fraternity should include a reflection on the environment.

A genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice and faithfulness to others.

New Humanity and the Focolare Movement have made a strong commitment in this direction.

In early 2021, during its last General Assembly, the Focolare identified care for creation as one of its top priorities pledging to “review the lifestyles of its members and as a whole and to verify the ecological sustainability of its structures and activities.”

Then in May 2021 New Humanity received accreditation as an observer to the governing body of UNEP.

In order to achieve concrete environmental objectives, the Focolare communities worldwide are  strengthening strategic partnerships with other organizations and making plans for local action.

So, what’s the place of ecology in a conversation on fraternity?

Today, all our hopes on the environment seem to be focused on science. That is clearly very important; however, science and technology by themselves cannot solve the ecological problem. We need wisdom to help us recuperate that sense of interconnectedness that unites the human family and our relationship with the rest of creation.

In particular, indigenous populations, traditional knowledge holders and faith communities can serve as invaluable powerhouses for that wisdom catalyzing change at all levels.

Finally, if I may, a reflection on our ecological commitment in this context of human fraternity can become also a challenge to rethink the concept of fraternity itself and perhaps move the focus from human fraternity to universal fraternity as Pope Francis himself invited us in Laudato Si (LS 228).

If we approach nature and the environment without that openness of heart and of mind our attitude will remain that of masters, consumers and exploiters, unable to set limits on our needs. (LS 11)

When our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one (LS92). We have only one heart, and with that undivided love we are called to action and to care for the planet as much as we do for people.