by Mary Lou Moorhead rscj, from the province of Australia-New Zealand

Illustration by Trini Alvarez rscj

Many religious orders including our own, nationally and internationally, are using “integrity of creation” to refer to their concern for the universe especially the Earth and all its components. They/we frequently associate this concern with our worries related to justice and peace.

I am very familiar with the phrase “integrity of creation”, as it has been used in ecumenical circles, notably by the World Council of Churches, since the 1980s. I have, however, always hesitated to use it. Not that I don’t think it embraces ecojustice principles: it does. And it sounds good.

Its just that ‘integrity’ is so important to me as a value, that I don’t want it used without explicit intent.
Having looked it - integrity - up in the Dictionary, I find it has two meanings, one to do with ‘uprightness’ and ‘honesty’, the other to do with ‘wholeness’ and ‘soundness’. In light of these meanings:

• What does Mr Howard (Australia’s Prime Minister) mean when speaks of ‘the integrity of our borders’ and then proceeds to alter them to divert refugees?
• What does Tony Blair (England’s Prime Minister) mean when he speaks of the integrity of Britain’s position regarding the war in Iraq?
• And, the subject of this reflection, what do we mean when we speak of the “integrity of creation”?

I’m sure we are referring to our planet. I’m sure we mean that we want it ‘whole’ and ‘sound’, not damaged, used or abused. I’m sure that we understand that for this we need to take our place as part of creation having a responsibility to, as well as for, it. I’m sure ‘the integrity of creation’ and our own integrity cannot be separated, just as social justice cannot be had without justice to the individual (we cannot be concerned for Iraq without concern for its refugees) and, as the Buddhists say, ‘world peace through personal peace’.

May I share six principles taken from the ‘Earth Bible Series’? (underlining mine). Reflection upon then might put some flesh on ‘integrity of creation’

1. The Principle of Intrinsic Worth. The universe, Earth and all its components have intrinsic worth.
2. The Principle of Interconnectedness. Earth is a community of interconnected living things that are mutually dependent on each other for life and survival.
3. The Principle of Voice. Earth is a subject capable of raising its voice in celebration and against injustice.
4. The Principle of Purpose. The universe Earth and all its components, are part of a dynamic cosmic design within which each piece has a place in the overall goal of that design.
5. The Principle of Mutual Custodianship. Earth is a balanced and diverse domain where responsible custodians can function as partners, rather than rulers, to sustain a balanced and diverse Earth community.
6. The Principle of Resistance. Earth and its components not only differ from injustices at the hands of humans, but actively resist them in the struggle for justice.