Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Canberra (Agenzia Fides) - The first necessary activity in caring for the environment is to create awareness among the people and educate each person on respect for creation, energy usage and how to avoid waste. With this in mind, the Church in Australia is launching “Greening Communities,” a program to invite communities, schools, agencies, Catholic institutions, non-profit organizations, and Christian movements to promote and spread a greater awareness for caring for the environment.
“Creation is an extraordinary gift from God. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations,” the program states, offering a series of suggested activities for caring for the environment, such as: how to use water and solar energy and energy conservation.
The program also focuses on the need for the testimony and contribution of every Christian, including Catholic news agencies, bulletins, and diocesan newspapers, who are asked to place greater attention on issues of preserving the environment and educating the public opinion.
The “Greening Communities” program is intended to promote the “healthy practice” of respecting nature, starting with small groups and communities. There will also be formation meetings, as well as discussions and forums in schools, universities, and associations, in efforts to convey the importance of the responsibility of each person, beginning with children and adolescents. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2008; righe 20, parole 212)
