Abidjan, 15 October, 2019 / 1:31 am (ACI Africa).
At a time when the message on the care of creation seems predominant in Pope Francis' recent addresses, including his latest visit to Africa, an African missionary priest is proposing a shift from missions focused on human beings to missions that are inclusive of creation.
“We should not limit oneself to missionary activity that is solely human-centric, but also and above all to open oneself to ecological-centric missionary activity,” Fr. Donald Zagore, SMA proposed in a reflection sent to ACI Africa.
“The Good News of Salvation appears to be exclusively reserved for man,” he said and continued, “Today, a change of paradigm in the understanding of the theology of mission would be necessary for a fundamental renewal of the missionary activity.”
In light of this realization, the Society of African Missions cleric is of the opinion that while salvation for man is necessary, going forward “the reality of salvation in Jesus Christ will be grasped in a broader dynamic that encompasses all creation.”
“Salvation is for man and also for all creation. It is not only man who must be saved, but the whole creation longs for salvation,” Fr. Zagore said and continued, “As St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans, it is all creation that groans, in hope, waiting for salvation.”
