The Vatican, through the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, encouraged Christians and Sikhs to rally behind those who work for the protection of the environment.
In a letter addressed to the Sikh community for the observance Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Dicastery called on believers, particularly Christians and Sikhs, to join hands in fostering “positive change in climatic conditions and become responsible and genuine stewards of creation”.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, commemorates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak.
As one of the most celebrated and significant Sikh gurus and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev holds a revered position in the Sikh community.
This festival is among the holiest in Sikhism, or Sikhi. Sikh festivities center around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus, pivotal figures who shaped Sikh beliefs.
In the letter, the Dicastery said Christians and Sikhs can collectively contribute to tackling the global climate crisis, echoing Pope Francis’ call for a “culture of care” and credible actions.
“We are increasingly aware of the fact that “everything is connected” and we are “linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family”; hence “our care for one another and for the earth are intimately bound together,” the letter read.
The Dicastery said that religious convictions are seen as transformative forces that illuminate relationships and guide responsible care for creation.
Our respective religious convictions teach us to build healthy and harmonious relationships with one another and with creation and to care for them with respect and love,” it said.
It added that dealing with the global climate crisis calls for “shared strategy and synergy and this cannot be done alone”.
The Dicastery said it requires “joining of hearts, minds, and hands involving people at all levels of society is necessary”.
“In this regard, religious leaders and interreligious dialogue have a vital role to play in bringing men and women of goodwill together,” it said.
The Vatican office also stressed the role of religious leaders and interreligious dialogue in fostering collaboration for environmental protection.
It encouraged families, communities, educational institutions, and media to instill values promoting caring relationships and sustainable practices.
“World leaders surely have a greater responsibility towards forming a broader alliance for the protection and care of our common home. An adequate response to the present climate crisis calls for everyone in society to act responsibly,” said the Dicastery.
