14 15 Greetings 2003 | Cardinal Dr Franz König A new word has recently found its way into our vocabulary: sustainability. Basically, it means nothing other than responsibility for creation. If we read the texts of the Bible carefully, we can discover that man is not meant to be a tyrannical ruler over nature. Rather, he is appointed by God to be the gardener of creation, as it were; he is to nurture and care for it, not to abuse and destroy it. It is therefore gratifying that the Institute for Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Vienna is addressing this important topic on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Today's symposium is embedded in the Austria-wide interdisciplinary educational project "Sustainability & Religion(s)", which is being carried out this school year. The aim is to create the right conditions in schools so that more and more young people realise that it also depends on them whether this "beautiful, precious earth" entrusted to us can be a home for them and future generations. True education, which appeals to the intellect as well as the heart and conscience, will know how to awaken in young people the willingness to stand up for the preservation of creation. Education must convey a true picture of the world and man's responsibility in it to future generations: Religious education is particularly important in this context. The world is not a product of chance; according to the conviction of all those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, it is meaningful and orientated towards an ultimate goal. Living rightly means recognising this meaning and living up to this goal. Against this background, it becomes clear that the commitment to the preservation of creation cannot be a "hobby" of a few, but is deeply connected to the fundamental questions of mankind about where from, where to and what for in life. It is the task of school and, in particular, of religious education at school to teach young people about these connections and thus enable them to lead a responsible life. With this in mind, I would like to thank all those responsible for their great commitment and wish the symposium of the Institute for Religious Education all the best and God's blessing! Cardinal König Vienna, 21 May 2003 Images © left: Johann Hisch, right: Ferdinand Neumüller
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