HONG KONG: In a heartfelt appeal, Cardinal Stephen Chow, head of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong, has called for urgent action to combat food waste, emphasizing its connection to human rights and the ethical stewardship of God's creation.

In an article published on January 3 in his diocesan online platform, the Examiner, the Jesuit cardinal reflected on his experiences attending multiple lavish Christmas dinners, where he observed appalling levels of food wastage. "The scenes I witnessed were deeply regrettable," Chow noted, highlighting how many attendees seemed more interested in networking than enjoying the meals. “After the first few courses, I noticed that diners began to mingle, leaving behind an extravagant amount of untouched food.”

In his insightful piece, Chow provocatively questioned, "Does food have rights?" paralleling it to recognized human rights and the rights of animals, children, consumers, and patients. He elaborated that for Christians, rights derive from the belief that God is the Creator, and every human is made in His image, thus endowed with inherent dignity through God's love.

Additionally, Chow stressed the responsibility that accompanies privilege: "We are called by God to care for His creation." He warned that a narrow focus on individual rights could undermine the rights and dignity of others, particularly those who are vulnerable. "Such behaviors are violations of God's loving intention for creation," he added.

Though he adheres to a vegetarian diet, Chow clarified that his concerns extend beyond personal choices; they stem from a profound respect for life and an urgent duty to safeguard our Common Home—the Earth. "Irresponsible consumption, notably of food, poses a risk not only to our wellbeing but also to the sustainability of our ecosystem," he cautioned.

The cardinal expressed his fears that the continued disregard for food and resources would exacerbate the existing divide between the affluent and the less fortunate, as well as between humanity and the wider creation that God entrusted to us.

He urged the citizens of Hong Kong to cultivate an attitude of respect and grace towards those who have lesser voices, which should encompass our natural environment. “We must recognize that we are just one part of a larger ecosystem,” he remarked.

In conclusion, Chow encouraged the community to rethink their social gatherings. He proposed ideas for hosting events that foster networking while prioritizing ethical consumption and minimizing food waste, ultimately aligning with the divine respect due to all creation.

As we witness global food insecurity and environmental degradation reaching critical levels, Chow's message resonates now more than ever, urging a collective shift towards mindfulness in consumption and genuine care for the world we inhabit.