Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Energy is a resource which belongs to everyone and it must be used sparingly because it is not eternal. Sources of sustainable energy which respect nature and man must be found. This was affirmed in a message issued by the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea on the occasion of World Environment Day, June 5. The message with the title “A time of major transformation in energy use: from fossil fuel to new sources of sustainable energy” was signed by the president of the Commission Bishop Boniface Choi Ki san.
The text points out that the natural disasters which affect humanity in various parts of the world are caused by man’s bad relationship with nature and indiscriminate exploitation of resources, deforestation, global warming due to the ozone hole and lack of industrial policies to establish sustainable standards for the environment at the world level.
The Message calls on Catholics and all Koreans to change life style from uncontrolled consumption to “critical consumption”, which means using basic resources such as water with discretion and responsibility, making every day non pollutant decisions and actions which respect Creation. The relationship between humanity and creation seems broken: it is necessary to restore a healthy relationship, an exchange of gifts between humanity and creation.
On the occasion of World Environment Day the Catholic Church in Korea encouraged Catholics to reflect on a series of themes: protecting Creation and the work of God, manifestation of his creative power; defend life, supreme gift of God the Creator; return to simple life style, contact with nature where man finds himself and his relationship with God. (Agenzia Fides 5/6/2006 righe 26 parole 268)
