Manila (AsiaNews / CBCP) - Climate change is a question of "social justice" and requires formation, meetings and seminars; pastoral formation on the various issues that the phenomenon raises, particularly ahead of the international climate conference in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015. This is according to the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and president of the Filipino bishops' conference (CBCP) Msgr. Socrates B. Villegas, announcing the bishops formal intention to "organize meetings and conferences on the subject."
The Archbishops added that these initiative are also in direct response to "the wishes of Pope Francis" who focused his latest encyclical "Laudato sì” on the problems related to the climate and the environment.
The president of the bishops' conference noted that a "significant stake" and a great "debate" are "essential prerequisite" to obtain reliable information and appropriate knowledge. " "It is everyone's morla duty to be engaged in these areas" he added.
Archbishop Villegas urged people to take concrete action to protect the climate, particularly in their parishes and ecclesial communities (Bec) to promote reflections on environmental degradation and damage to the natural ecosystem. "Mines, incinerators and landfills - he said - are among the local emergencies that spring immediately to mind. In this case the Church must intervene to influence politicians and promote concrete initiatives ".
Climate change causes problems and sufferings to nations, communities and individuals. He recalled some passages of the encyclical "Deus Caritas Est" of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in which he states that this type of suffering demands "consolation and help." And when someone is in need, warned the prelate, "responding is not an option, but an obligation."
"The notion of the common good must be extended to future generations," said the president of the bishops' conference. The global economic crisis has made clear the devastating effects of neglect of the environment and nature, the lack of attention "to those who come after us." You can not talk about sustainable development, he warned, without promoting a spirit of solidarity between generations. "It is our Christian duty to take an interest inecology and climate change - said the prelate - as direct consequences of the moral concept of pastoral care and Christian charity."