Catholic bishops in Eastern Africa have reportedly set aside a week to look at the consequences of ecological damage in the region as climate change continues to impact negatively on the development of people in both rural and urban areas.
The bishops from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africam who are meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, under the shadow of some of the worst recorded ecological disasters in the region, are expected to examine ways to help communities that are struggling to adapt to the effects of a changing climate.
So far, some bishops, priests and women religious have taken action by moving emergency aid to communities affected by the ongoing drought that has caused crop failure for three consecutive growing seasons.
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According to reports, some church leaders have also acknowledged that disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine have further hurt the region.
Bishop Charles Kasonde of Solwezi, Zambia, AMECEA’s chairman, was quoted as saying that the plenary meeting will also review how the church in the region has implemented Pope Francis’ encyclical on the care of the earth, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home” in response to the climate crisis.
“This self-evaluation must guide our deliberations as we look to the future,” Bishop Kasonde said. “The importance of living the Laudato Si’ message is ascertained by the fact that the encyclical letter has caused great excitement in the region, not only among Catholics but also among people affiliated to other churches and faiths and our respective governments.”
Kasonde further stated that people are excited as they come to understand how the encyclical can relate to daily life, adding that “Our experiences of the effects of climate change, such as extreme seasons of droughts, cyclones, raising of water levels, and floods, to mention but a few, are making everyone wonder why these things are happening,”.
Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed the gathering on July 12, informing them that peace in any country was key to environmental protection. He also urged the region’s leaders, including Catholics, to address ways to maintain peace in local communities.
“The war against environmental degradation is for all (people) since a damaged environment means a catastrophe for humanity,” Hassan said.
Story was adapted from Catholic News Service.
