MALAWI: Increase Collaboration on Environmental Issues, Catholic Journalists Urged
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
In relation to resolutions of the 20th plenary assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) that was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in the month of July, Catholic Journalists in Malawi have been called upon to develop interest and collaborate more on environmental issues so they can help create awareness and disseminate information on ways of caring for creation.
Speaking to members of the Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) during their fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) at St Joseph Pastoral Centre, Nkhata Bay, the National Coordinator for Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Mr. Boniface Chibwana emphasized that the journalists’ role is key for the success of implementation of the bishops’ resolutions.
“As Catholic journalists, can you be part and parcel of these resolutions so you can enlighten the people about climate change and care for environment? Mr. Chibwana posed a question to about 50 media practitioners who attended the AGM and continued, “The more you talk about them, the more people become aware, ask questions and come up with strategies that can help us move forward together.”
According to the CCJP National Coordinator, the Bishops’ plenary which focused on Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter, Laudato Si on “Care for our Common Home,” aimed on developing practical resolutions to help curb environmental degradation that has been cause by “irresponsible human behaviour.”
“Be the conscious of the Church as far as Laudato Si’ is concerned and make us work towards these resolutions,” Mr. Chibwana said urging journalists to be collaborators with the Church in making sure the resolutions are implemented.
Additionally Mr. Chibwana continued highlighting the role of journalist’s in care for environment, “Catholic Journalists should cultivate a culture of friendship with catholic institutions for Environmental Conservation in Malawi.”
In his Saturday presentation, Mr. Chibwana briefed the Catholic journalist of other resolutions by the bishops including: Re-awakening the spirit of love and care for the environment through the new evangelization, Awareness creation and conscious creation, Strategic directions and policy and advocacy.
Other resolutions include, “Inclusivity, collaboration and inter-faith partnerships, research, knowledge management and learning and environmental sustainability through sound organizational practices.”
The AGM held from 26-28th August, was under the theme: The role of journalists in Synodality and climate change.
On her part speaking about environmental justice policy the National Coordinator for the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) Ms. Chimwemwe Sekunda noted that the policy is based on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching which links Social Justice and Ecological Justice.
She highlighted that the policy has been developed to help “reduce risks of environmental injustices, and respond to the needs of those who are most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.”
Ms. Sekunda underscored further that the policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of parties to ensure that “Care for our Common Home and Stewardship of Creation is considered in all decision-making processes and reasonable actions.”
She then called on all Catholic journalist to read and understand the document since it is an important environmental tool that “guides decision-making and action.”
