Work

Catholic Ecological Organizations in Poland and Italy: History, Actions, and Organizational Challenges

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The paper characterizes four Polish and Italian Catholic organizations that operate within the ecological field. The study of these organizations zooms in on the process of “greening of Catholicism” in Poland and Italy taking place. Studied Catholic organizations in Poland and Italy operate within different social and religious contexts. They face challenges, including resistance from traditionalists who view ecology as a leftist notion. To overcome this, the organizations studied frame ecological issues as religious duties, drawing on diverse traditions within Catholicism and emphasizing figures like John Paul II. They use religious resources such as Catholic identities, values, and symbols to appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional activists. Yet, their emphasis on Catholicism hinders cooperation with secular environmental groups and limits engagement with left-wing environmental politics.

Source: Religions

DOI: 10.3390/rel15091071

Authors: Marcin Jewdokimow, Stefania Palmisano, Marco Castagnetto, Wojciech Sadłoń

Institutions: Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, University of Turin

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Ecology, and Ethics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,046

Funder: Narodowym Centrum Nauki