‘Biocentric Solidarity: Covenantal Bond for Cosmic Wholeness’ renews humanity’s covenant to preserve creation and achieve Oneness

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The second sub-theme plenary of the Tenth Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS-X) focused on "Biocentric Solidarity: Covenantal Bond for Cosmic Wholeness". The panellists, in unison, affirmed the Nicene Creed's acknowledgement of God as "the maker of heaven, and all things visible and invisible", resonating with the theme which challenges us to view the natural world not as a mere resource of exploitation but as a sacred, interconnected web of life that humanity has a covenantal responsibility to honour and protect.

Rooted in a common vision of cosmic unity, the four speakers offered insights into how faith can inspire a profound shared commitment to nurturing and safeguarding the integrity of all creation.

Anchoring on the theme, Prof. Dr Sharon Bong, a professor at Monash University in Malaysia, focused her presentation on gender, ecology, and religions, exploring the intersection of climate and gender justice from an ecofeminist perspective within Christian creation theology.

Drawing from Pope Francis’s book Laudato Si', Dr Bong emphasised the need to shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric worldview that prioritises the integrity of creation. She advocated an inclusive approach that challenges patriarchal and exploitative views in Christian narratives, encouraging a mutual responsibility to care for the environment. Reflecting on the inherent sanctity of all creation, Dr Bong noted that “the main takeaway of the Christian story is order”—a profound admission that everything in the universe is mutually exclusive and shares in the divine life, and, hence, is sacred and reveals God’s beauty.

Maria Glovedi Joy L. Bigornia of the United Graduate School of Theology, Yonsei University in South Korea, focused her presentation on embodying sacred cosmic solidarity through the tadek cultural dance of the Philippine Itneg people. She introduced her findings on tadek, a traditional dance, as a symbol of sacred cosmic solidarity.

Ms Bigornia interpreted tadek as an expression of interconnected spirituality that honours the sacredness of life, reinforcing humanity’s duty to uphold cosmic wholeness. She argued that this indigenous worldview, supported by the Nicene Creed’s proclamation of God as the “maker of heaven and earth,” reinforces humanity’s moral duty to uphold cosmic wholeness. “Tadek reaffirms the covenantal bond between God and all creation, and reiterates humanity’s sacred and moral responsibility to care for the world”, she stated.

Rev. Dr Hong Seung Man of the Presbyterian Church of South Korea presented "A Study on Biocentric 'Ssangsaeng' Ministry in the Mission of the Triune God: Focusing on the Case of 'Ssangsaem Natural Church' in the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK)," introducing ssangsaeng (mutual life-giving) within the PCK.  

Dr Hong described ssangsaeng as a biocentric ministry aligned with God’s mission for creation, emphasising that humanity needed to adopt an eco-centric perspective that prioritised stewardship and sustainability in response to the climate crisis.

"The deeper root cause of this crisis lies in the broken relationship humanity has historically maintained with the Earth, its ecosystems, and the created world... We must view God’s creation not from an anthropocentric perspective but from a life-centred perspective. This compels us to work in solidarity for the care and integrity of creation," stated​ Dr Hong. Drawing from the Nicene Creed’s tenets, he encouraged the Church to pursue ecological justice, viewing creation as inherently valuable and calling for unified action to protect it.

Rev. Prof. Dr Paulachan Kochappilly, professor of Christian Ethics at the Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Pontifical Athenaeum in Bengaluru, India, shared his perspectives on "Biocratic Celebration as the Benchmark of Being Blessed: A Triadic Perspective on Covenantal Community Consciousness."

A Roman Catholic priest with the Carmelite of Mary Immaculate (CMI), Dr Kochappilly analysed a biocratic perspective, urging humanity to prioritise life itself as the foundation of governance, which he termed "biocracy." He explored this concept through a triadic relational model involving God, humanity, and creation, advocating for a celebration of life that reflects mutual respect and reverence.

Grounded in the Nicene Creed’s affirmation of God as the creator of “all things visible and invisible,” Dr Kochappilly’s vision calls for an interconnected approach to creation and human responsibility. “The Nicene Symbol professes God as the maker of heaven and earth... All things in heaven and earth belong to God,” stated Dr Kochappilly, reminding CATS-X participants about the sacredness of all creation as part of divine order.

Reflecting on the diverse perspectives shared on the sub-theme "Biocentric Solidarity: Covenantal Bond for Cosmic Wholeness” by four eminent Asian theologians from diverse confessional families within the Church, participants engaged in profound discussions, reinforcing a message of active, shared commitment to ecological justice and unity.

As highlighted by the speakers, the respondents also opined that our covenantal responsibility to creation goes beyond preservation; it requires a transformation in how we perceive, value, and nurture the world around us. By recognising the divine in all creation, we are reminded that true faithfulness requires stewardship that honours the sacredness of every living being within God’s interconnected cosmos.

The main theme and sub-themes of CATS-X, held in Kuala Lumpur from 24 to 29 October 2024, offer participants valuable opportunities for broader interaction and engagement.

For more pictures of Day 3 of Tenth Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS-X) please click here.