By CBCP News
March 17, 2025
Manila, Philippines
The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) has issued a strong call for climate action, urging Catholic communities across Asia to respond to the ecological crisis with “courage and determination.”
In a pastoral letter released to mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the bishops outlined four key areas for urgent action: mitigation, adaptation, legislation, and finance.
“Hope compels us to action,” the letter states. “As local Churches in Asia, we must rise to meet this moment with courage and determination.”
The letter highlights major environmental challenges in Asia, including deforestation, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect the region’s poorest communities. The bishops called for stronger environmental policies, sustainable financial solutions, and grassroots initiatives such as reforestation and youth-led ecological ministries.
FABC leaders also urged Catholic clergy and laypeople to engage in climate advocacy, especially in preparation for COP30, the United Nations climate summit in Brazil later this year.
“As Christians, we must walk alongside our neighbor religions in this shared advocacy for the care of our common home,” the bishops wrote.
Signed by FABC president Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, vice president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, and secretary general Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, the letter aligns with the Vatican’s broader ecological efforts during the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
The bishops also called for international debt relief, emphasizing that financial burdens prevent many nations from effectively addressing the climate crisis. They advocated for a restructuring of the global lending system to promote economic justice and sustainable development.
The FABC urged dioceses across Asia to actively participate in the annual Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4, incorporating environmental education, sustainable practices, and spiritual renewal into their ministries.
“We must not let fear or apathy paralyze us,” the bishops said. “Instead, let us walk the Pilgrimage of Hope together, responding with faith and courage.”https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/asian-bishops-urge-bold-climate-action-in-laudato-si-anniversary-appeal/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJFom9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcaadR2s-C7lGPnE86ugxKDB10YyRomxRP5T2fQYo0eiTG9noIdAlXCNIQ_aem_ZPXyh9EaFGl2sDq1wcZ1kg
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