Philippine bishops to tackle green issues at Conference meeting

A Church ecological project near Manila

Source: UCA News

Philippine Catholic bishops will be discussing issues relating to care of the environment during their bi-annual meeting this weekend. "The environment is a big issue and that's why we need to also look at it," said Fr Marvin Mejia, secretary-general of the bishops' conference.

Columban priest John Leydon, the Manila-based co-convener of the Global Catholic Climate Movement, will address the bishops at the meeting. He will highlight that Church-run businesses still invest in mining, coal, and other dirty energy projects despite several Church institutions having already sold their stocks and invested in renewable energy.

In the northern Philippines, Catholics in Baguio Diocese have been urged to bring plants and seedlings when attending the wake of the late Bishop Carlito Cenzon. A circular issued by Bishop Victor Bendico of Baguio said the initiative is in response to Bishop Cenzon's active role in the care for Earth. "He initiated the 'Tree of Life Program' in the diocese to propagate bamboo for the protection of the environment," said Bishop Bendico. Bishop Cenzon, retired prelate of Baguio, died at the age of 80 in a Manila hospital on 26 June. He is most remembered for fighting to protect a forest reserve near the city from an illegal road project allegedly spearheaded by a former government official.

Fr Mejia said the church leaders will also be discussing preparations for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021.