Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Cultivating a Culture of Care: Ecological Justice, Spirituality of Place, and the Post-Coal Economy
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Of the many voices that speak in the mountains Catholics represent a small but growing portion of the population, especially as many Latino/a immigrants make their home here. These voices are represented by faith-based organizations across the region, including the Catholic Committee of Appalachia. This project will locate these voices by drawing special attention to the recent ecological statement issued by Pope Francis. This project will outline two key themes from the Pope’s message. It will examine the concept of the “common good,” which the Pope uses to articulate a socio-cultural and economic vision that contrasts the dominant individualistic, consumer “throwaway culture” fueled by neo-liberal, global capitalism. Second, it will explore the idea of “ecological conversion.” In addition to attending to structural factors, this concept invites us to view the climate crisis as a spiritual issue as well; a radical transformation of social and economic life must be accompanied by a re-evaluation of values. The Pope’s statement will be situated in the context of similar ones issued by the Catholic Bishops of Appalachia. As commentators begin talking about a “post-coal” Appalachia, Catholic voices can offer a distinct accent on this subject. I will draw on the above themes to explore how faith-based organizations working for social and ecological justice in the region can make use of the Pope’s work, partnering with communities to cultivate a “spirituality of place.” Catholic Appalachians can share their voice as one of the many threads joining the tapestry of voices in and of the mountains.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
A West Virginia native, Edward Sloane is currently a doctoral student at Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry. His research focus is on the role of faith-based institutions in adolescent development and education for critical consciousness, focusing on the Appalachian context.
Cultivating a Culture of Care: Ecological Justice, Spirituality of Place, and the Post-Coal Economy
Of the many voices that speak in the mountains Catholics represent a small but growing portion of the population, especially as many Latino/a immigrants make their home here. These voices are represented by faith-based organizations across the region, including the Catholic Committee of Appalachia. This project will locate these voices by drawing special attention to the recent ecological statement issued by Pope Francis. This project will outline two key themes from the Pope’s message. It will examine the concept of the “common good,” which the Pope uses to articulate a socio-cultural and economic vision that contrasts the dominant individualistic, consumer “throwaway culture” fueled by neo-liberal, global capitalism. Second, it will explore the idea of “ecological conversion.” In addition to attending to structural factors, this concept invites us to view the climate crisis as a spiritual issue as well; a radical transformation of social and economic life must be accompanied by a re-evaluation of values. The Pope’s statement will be situated in the context of similar ones issued by the Catholic Bishops of Appalachia. As commentators begin talking about a “post-coal” Appalachia, Catholic voices can offer a distinct accent on this subject. I will draw on the above themes to explore how faith-based organizations working for social and ecological justice in the region can make use of the Pope’s work, partnering with communities to cultivate a “spirituality of place.” Catholic Appalachians can share their voice as one of the many threads joining the tapestry of voices in and of the mountains.
