Christian Universities:

Their role in combatting ecological disaster, the growth of poverty and the crisis in health care

Abstract

Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines, is widely recognized as a pioneer in developing programs designed to promote environmental responsibility, not only among its students, faculty and staff, but also in and for the local communities that it serves on the island of Negros in the Visayas in the Philippines. With the visit to the Philippines of Pope Francis in January 2015, the University welcomed his message challenging all the Filipino people to do their part in mitigating catastrophic climate change. His vision of hope, as promoted worldwide in the encyclical letter, Laudato si’ (2015), suggested how doing many small things to care for our common home might actually help all of us to become more effective stewards in preserving and enhancing the natural environment, while seeking justice and peace. The Macau Ricci Institute’s second issue (June 2018) featured three interrelated essays presenting Laudato si’, analysing its practical significance for waste management policies and practices, and the responses specifically emerging from communities impacted by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. What follows is presented as further testimony to what must be done to respond to the interrelated crises of environmental degradation, increasing poverty, and deteriorating health care. Here the focus is on institutional change in a significant NGO, what can happen when a mid-sized private university, Christian in its inspiration, foundation, and ongoing commitment, collectively reexamines its mission, policies and practices to respond affirmatively to our common desire to create a sustainable future.