Torres Strait Island - Photo:canva.com
The Church in Australia celebrates Laudato Si Week (16th-24th May) as a sign of hope for the Earth and humanity.
During Laudato Si Week the Church in Australia is invited to form a novena of prayer, contemplation and action focusing on key themes outlined in the 2021 State of the Environment Report. The Bishops Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace have produced reflection and action sheets to help bring the goals of responding to the cries of Earth and the poor to life. The deep connection between the health of Country and the health of Indigenous people is acknowledged. “How might getting to know local First Nations people and talking with them about caring for Country make a difference for the environment and for First Nations people themselves?” Local councils and landcare groups are among many who advertise opportunities to meet with and learn from First Nations people, especially during the upcoming National Reconciliation Week (27th May 3rd June).
The Torres Strait is the body of water between the tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea, and is known by Torres Strait Islander communities as Zenadh Kes. Torres Strait Islander communities have very strong ties to their lands and waters, are proud of their cultures and love their island homes. Climate change is now impacting the daily lives and wellbeing of Torres Strait Islander communities who see their homelands being washed away. Coastal inundation has destroyed homes, sacred sites and burial grounds, fresh water sources are becoming salinized and coral reefs and local food sources have been destroyed. Torres Strait Islander communities are deeply concerned and have been campaigning strongly for climate justice for years.
On 23rd September 2022, Torres Strait Islander advocacy resulted in a landmark win in the United Nations Human Rights Committee that has set a precedent for the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. Torres Strait Islanders have a proud history of advocacy to defend their rights, including the historic Mabo native title decision made by the High Court of Australia on 3rd June, 1992. By means of the Mabo decision, the High Court of Australia recognized that a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Koiki Mabo, held ownership of Mer (Murray Island). The Mabo decision also meant that native title exists for all Indigenous people. Legislation that subsequently followed the Mabo decision concluded the term terra nullius (nobodies land) to be a legal fiction.
Torres Strait Islanders continue to raise awareness about the threat of climate change to their communities and are building support. In April 2023, the Chairman of the Pacific Elders’ Voice and former President of Kiribati, His Excellency Anote Tong, visited the Torres Strait Islands at the invitation of Torres Strait Islander Elders from Saibai and Boigu Islands. As a result of this meeting, Pacific Elders’ Voice and Torres Strait Islander Elders signed the Statement of Solidarity (“Mura Kalmel Sipa”). The Statement of Solidarity acknowledges the shared experience of the climate crisis by Torres Strait Islanders and Pacific island nations, and the commitment to stand together to call governments to move away from subsidising fossil fuel projects and ensure decisive action to limit global warming. The Statement of Solidarity states, “we stand together in friendship and solidarity in the pursuit of climate justice.”
The people of the Church in Oceania also continue to amplify their concerns about the impacts of the ecological crisis in our region. On the 30th March 2023, the Church in Oceania published a submission to the Vatican’s Synod 2021-2024, that urges stronger response to the ecological crisis including the need to stand in solidarity with those most impacted, formation in ecological conversion and the promotion of church and ministry action plans. “Consider the ecological crisis as a mission field in which the whole Church, globally and locally should be engaged in the urgent struggle to preserve our planet and its life, and to provide economic justice for its people.” Pope Francis called for the Synod 2021-2024 as a means for the whole Church to discern together how to move forward in life and mission. The invitational themes of the Synod 2021-2024 are communion, participation and mission.
During Laudato Si Week we are invited to join in communal prayer and reflection for Earth and all peoples as we continue to participate in God’s mission.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
