The Eucharist as Ecology: Reading Thanksgiving from the Perspective of Climate Justice and Earth Spirituality

The climate crisis and environmental degradation are now pressing global challenges. The Christian Church in Indonesia, as part of the global community, is called not only to respond ethically and practically to environmental issues but also to interpret them through liturgy and spirituality. This article aims to develop a theological framework that interprets the Eucharist—particularly thanksgiving as a core part of the celebration—from the perspective of climate justice and earth spirituality. Using a systematic and contextual theological approach, the research examines biblical sources, Christian liturgical traditions, and modern ecotheological discourse (including the Catholic encyclical Laudato Si') to connect the meaning of the Eucharist with the call to care for creation. The method used is qualitative-analytical, with literature studies and theological reflection on the actual practices of congregations living in areas affected by climate change and environmental pollution. The research also includes interviews with liturgical leaders and congregations in several Church communities in coastal and urban areas of Indonesia to gain an empirical understanding of how Eucharistic thanksgiving is translated into ecological practices—whether in prayer, community action, or environmental concern. The study shows that thanksgiving in the Eucharist has strong theological potential to become the foundation of ecological ethics when experienced in an awareness of the interconnectedness of humanity with all of creation. The Eucharist is not only a commemorative celebration of the work of salvation, but also a call to ecological transformation: acknowledging the sins of the destruction of nature, a commitment to climate justice, and concrete actions to care for the environment. Earth spirituality emerges as an integral element in the liturgy, strengthening ecological sensitivity and a reflective pause amidst a consumerist culture and indifference to nature. The proposed theological framework includes three main elements: a theology of thanksgiving, which affirms that gratitude is not only a response of faith but also an acknowledgment of the gift of creation; a theology of climate justice, which demands special attention to the impacts of climate change on the most vulnerable; and an earth spirituality, which emphasizes that nature is not merely a backdrop for humanity but a community of creation that shares in praising and glorifying God. With this framework, the local Church in Indonesia gains a theological foundation for integrating liturgy and ecological action within a comprehensive faith.