ZAMBIA: ZCCB Declares Ecological Emergency
Fr. Lungu making a presentation
By Mwenya Mukuka
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has declared an ecological emergency.
The conference calls on government(s) to do things that are not only politically correct but ecologically correct and [press] restart button for to go into the future.
This includes prioritizing programs that critically address impacts felt people, particularly the poorest amongst, the vulnerable, the marginalized and those that live in remote communities whose cry on this earth cannot be overlooked.
ZCCB Secretary General Fr. Cleophas Lungu made the declaration Thursday, 24th September, 2020 during a Webinar themed; Jubilee for the Earth – Reflections on responding to the Ecological Crisis.
The Webinar was held in commemoration of the Season of Creation.
In his key note address under the tittle ‘A Just transition for our Planet in the Context of Laudato Si’ and COVID-19’ Fr. Lungu
Referring to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si which emphasizes the underlying moral and ethical context of the ecological problems and the call for meaningful commitment, not just for the Church, but for all people, because what is at stake is Our Common Home.
“Pope Francis is calling for a re-evaluation of the prevailing models of global development and a redefinition of our notion of progress so that it can truly serve the common good,” he said.
Fr. Lungu says ZCCB is joyous too that faith communities are coming together to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
“From the faith perspective, we are particularly happy that the Season of Creation is becoming a truly ecumenical initiative. As Pope Francis urges us, “Let us continue to grow in the awareness that we all live in a common home as members of a single family, ”Fr. Lungu said
“Another cause for rejoicing is the fact that we are seeing how the Fifth Anniversary of Laudato Si’ has inspired many initiatives at local and global levels for the care of our common home and the poor. The celebration of this anniversary year should lead us to come up with long-term action plans aimed at promoting the practice of integral ecology in our families, parishes and dioceses, religious orders, our schools and universities, our healthcare facilities, business and agricultural institutions, and many others as well,” he added.
He added that it is of paramount importance in view of the 2021 Elections that even political players begin to gear up for political campaigns, avoid being violent with each other.
“Avoid being violent with each other as we are often violent with nature whenever we cut trees recklessly and pollute our streets with solid waste and damp our toxic waste in our water bodies. We look forward to Issue-Based campaign and do hope that the care of the environment and preservation of our natural forests, endangered tree species such as the Mukula Tree (Rose wood) as well as animal species like the Black Lechwe will become a campaign issue,” Fr. Lungu said.
In reiterating Pope Francis’ repeated call for the cancellation of the debt of the most vulnerable countries, in recognition of the severe impacts of the medical, social and economic crises they face as a result of COVID-19, Fr. Lungu said noted the importance of Policy, legislation and investments focused on the common good and guarantee that global social and environmental goals are met.
The Webinar attracted 57 participants that included Bishops Evans Chinyemba,OMI, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources official, Global Catholic Climate Movement, University of Zambia and the Media.
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