Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, began the new year with a reflection on the often-overlooked issue of food dignity, emphasizing the moral responsibility to value food as part of God’s creation.
In his reflection, published by the Diocese of Hong Kong’s Sunday Examiner, Cardinal Chow explored the concept of rights in the context of Christian theology, asking a poignant question: “Does food have rights?”
He argued that all rights, whether for humans or other life forms, are rooted in God’s creation. “For us Christians, rights are based on a foundational reality: all lives are created by God, the Source of Life, out of God’s loving benevolence.”
The cardinal observed that food waste, particularly at large gatherings, often disregards the dignity of the life forms sacrificed to provide sustenance.
Recalling recent experiences at banquets, he lamented the significant amounts of untouched food discarded while diners prioritized networking over meals.
“What I have seen was certainly regrettable. After the first or second course, most diners started moving around networking. They simply did not eat, or at best, they ate randomly. Much food was wasted as the servers were seen serving and removing the untouched dishes round after round,” he said.
The prelate acknowledged the social and cultural importance of celebratory banquets but stressed the ethical responsibility of honoring the dignity of food.
“Those life forms turned into food for the absent diners were simply sacrificed in vain. Their dignity was not appreciated and was even ignored when the food served was left untouched and discarded,” he said.
He also tied the issue of food waste to broader themes of environmental sustainability and social justice. Cardinal Chow warned, “When we disregard the dignity of other lives, we inflict hurt and damage on a global community whose sustainability has become fragile.”
Aligning his message with the Holy Father’s 2025 World Day of Peace theme, “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us our peace,” and the Jubilee Year’s focus on reconciliation and hope, Cardinal Chow urged for cultural shifts to make celebrations more respectful of the environment and life.
“Now, how can we hold good celebratory parties, allowing networking activities but not wasting food at the same time? We need creativity and some cultural changes!” he added.
The cardinal concluded with a blessing for the new year, calling for a collective commitment to care for the planet.
