Christians, Sikhs called to work together in fighting climate crisis

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue called on both Christians and Sikhs to contribute to tackling major issues related to the climate crisis.

Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ, prefect of the dicastery, encouraged both denominations to take action against this worsening problem in his message on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.

According to the Cardinal, the Catholic and Sikh religions teach about building healthy and harmonious relationships with one another and with creation.

“Dealing with the global climate crisis calls for shared strategy and synergy and this cannot be done alone,” he said. “A joining of hearts, minds, and hands involving people at all levels of society is necessary.”

“As believers with shared convictions and concerns for the wellbeing of all and that of earth, may we Christians and Sikhs, joining hands with everyone who cares for the welfare of humanity, endeavour to do all we can to bring about a positive change in climatic conditions and become responsible and genuine stewards of creation!” the cardinal further said.

Cardinal Guixot also emphasized that the climate crisis requires a collective human response in order to be addressed accordingly, since the greediness and selfishness of human beings mostly cause it.

“This means that in one way or another, all of us are part of the problem, and, therefore, we need to pay serious attention to the climate crisis and its repercussions,” he said.

He explained that this message is the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue’s way to join Pope Francis’ renewed call to action to do something about the enormous damage of the climate crisis before it is too late.

This was evident in the Holy Father’s recent Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, published last October, which stresses the human origin of climate change.

Moreover, he pointed out how families, communities, educational institutions, and the media can play vital roles in taking care of creation.

“Healthy practices such as having a balanced diet, saving energy and water, planting trees, and seeking to reduce carbon emissions and pollution are of immense help in safeguarding the natural world, and all can practice these,” explained the cardinal.

He also invited world leaders to form a broader alliance to protect and care for our common home.