JCAP Sustainability Conference Turns Minds to Mining and Ecology Issues

Patxi Alvarez, Director of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, highlighted the work of the Justice in Mining Network and other Global Ignatian Advocacy Networks at the recent conference on sustainability hosted by the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

“A Call to Dialogue on the Sustainability of Life in the ASEAN Context”, held from 8-10 August, provided an opportunity to reflect, discuss, and explore actions to respond to the sustainability of life across several ministries in the JCAP region.

Julie Edwards, leader of the Justice in Mining Network, was also present at the meeting, where mining and its impact was a topic of frequent discussion, often in relation to indigenous people, their displacement and cases of human rights abuses.

Other themes considered at the meeting included environmental devastation, refugees, and the impact that every person can have on sustainability and care for our common home. Delegates were invited to consider what steps they, and their organisations and Provinces, could take to promote greater care for the planet.

The JCAP gathering was the largest collaboration of JCAP sectors in recent years and involved nine areas in which the Jesuits in Asia Pacific work – Dialogue with Buddhism, Dialogue with Islam, Indigenous Ministry, Social Apostolate, Migration, Reconciliation with Creation, Higher Education, Basic Education and Formation

“Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.” (Laudato si’ 207)

(Julie is pictured on the home page with fellow conference delegates Norma Honos from AGILA (Apu Guvernance and Indigenous Leadership Academy) and Indra Setiadarma from Sahabat Bambu (Friends of Bamboo). Image below: conference delegates at work).