“Do things that are not only legally correct, but ecologically correct”: Bishops in Zambia

“Policy makers, be reminded that the environment must not be destroyed for development and survival, but that biodiversity should be preserved because of its wildlife and natural attributes, which would attract people to the location and protect our common home,” the Catholic Church leaders in Zambia say.

Government leaders “have the responsibility of showing the political will to take drastic measures to achieve as quickly as possible zero net greenhouse gas emissions” at the November 1 to 12 COP 26, ZCCB members say in their statement titled, “A Home for All! Renewing the Oikos of God”.

Governments also have a duty “to limit the average increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees celsius with respect to pre-industrial levels, in accordance with the Paris Agreement goals,” Catholic Bishops in Zambia say. 

They add that the October 11 to 15 COP15 “will also provide the global community with further opportunities to galvanize efforts at all levels to build a better future in harmony with nature.” 

“Let us take up these opportunities to respond to the cry of the poor and that of the earth!” they say in reference to COP 15 and COP 26. 

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In the October 4 statement, Catholic Bishops in Zambia also call on Christians to “feel challenged to assume, with prayer and commitment, our responsibility for the care of creation.”

“My fellow Christians, time is running out for repentance and repair to the immense damage that is caused by compromising the gospel and by not speaking out against ‘ecological sin,’” they say. 

ZCCB members add that "it is critical" for Christians to continue finding ways that "look at the strengthening and protecting of biodiversity, not just as a value we hold, but as a responsibility that is vital to our way of life."

“We call for a restart button for us to go into the future," the Catholic Bishops say, adding that Christians "can act as a thin yet unique and indispensable thread in weaving a network of life that embraces everyone.”

They also express hope that the reflections and prayers observed during the annual Season of Creation will bear fruit. 

"As we end the season of creation, let us celebrate with joy and with the hope that our reflections will soon bear fruit. One sign of that fruit will be when we include in our examination of conscience our obligation to care for our common home," ZCCB members say in the October 4 statement. 

They conclude in reference to the Book of Wisdom, "May God, 'the lover of life' grant us the courage to do good without waiting for someone else to begin, or until it is too late."

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.