Bangkok (AsiaNews) – “Let us bring Noah's Ark to the Mekong River Basin” was the guiding image for a meeting held on 7 and 8 October at the Camillian Pastoral Centre in Bangkok.
Organised by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), the gathering brought together 17 delegates from Catholic Churches in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, countries linked to the Mekong River and other major waterways across the continent.
The aim of the initiative was to foster a conversation in the spirit, seeking guidelines for joint action to protect the living environment, local communities, and the region's ecosystems.
The event was particularly significant as it took place while the Thai capital was still grappling with the damage caused by the overflowing of the Chao Phraya River on September 26th.
The gathering opened with a Mass led by Mgr Gerry Alminaza, Director of Caritas Philippines.
The first day was dedicated to hearing from various experts.
Wora Sukraroek, from the International Land Rights Agency, spoke about the ongoing crises in the Mekong River Delta. Chuy Voucheng discussed empowerment initiatives in communities affected by mining activities in the Cambodian provinces of Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, and Kratie. Finally, Seng Samban offered reflections on the economic losses and other damage caused by climate change in the region.
Following these three presentations, a discussion among the participants ensued.
On the second day, after a Mass presided over by Mgr Allwyn D'Silva, President of the FABC Office for Integral Human Development, the conversation centred on three questions: What is happening, and what is affecting us? What issue challenges us under the guidance of the Holy Spirit? How can the Church respond to the emerging needs?
Five guidelines emerged as priorities from this shared reflection, according to Dominican Father Vinhsơn Thành Tín, the diocesan coordinator for environmental pastoral care and a participant in the meeting, writing on the Archdiocese of Saigon’s website.
First of all, the goal is to build a spiritual foundation for an ecological vision, one that places human beings at the centre while simultaneously grasping the importance of caring for creation, by promoting education for ecological conversion and linking it to liturgical life.
The second is to listen to and deeply understand the local reality, paying attention to the traits of each country and each community affected by changes in the Mekong Basin, as well as the specific concerns of the bishops.
The conference proposed strengthening cooperation between the Church and universities, research institutes, and groups working in relation to the Mekong River.
The third is to promote the Church's leadership role, solidarity, and social responsibility. In this regard, participants also raised the issue of ethics in the use of financial resources and of divestment from organisations and companies that harm the integrity of creation.
The fourth is to strengthen cooperation with communities and policy advocacy. The Church, it was noted, must help clarify the forms of exploitation that harm communities and raise awareness among those affected, while simultaneously providing pastoral support and creating conditions for their voices to be heard, including through interreligious dialogue.
The fifth is to promote systemic and institutional change. Participants proposed bringing together relevant organisations, including international agencies and groups active in the Mekong basin, to promote policies for protecting the river and to achieve recognition of the Mekong as a heritage to be preserved.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, participants agreed to continue the process of discernment and the development of an action plan at a follow-up meeting to be held on 10 November in Mumbai, India.
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