Catholic Leaders Call for Urgent Action on Environment
By Doris Sialusunga, CNCS Catholic Leaders and Religious Congregations have called for urgent action to protect the environment during the Season of Creation, warning that climate change, pollution and deforestation are threatening food security and livelihoods in Zambia. They made the call during a reflection meeting on “The Earth Our Common Home” at Luwisha House in Lusaka, where clergy, religious Sisters and lay leaders discussed the impact of climate change on communities. Fr. Daniel Mwamba Mutale, Executive Director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), said environmental degradation is directly linked to hunger in rural areas. “Our data shows food production has been declining due to droughts, floods and mining pollution. Creation must be cared for if it is to take care of us,” he said. The Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4, unites Christians worldwide in prayer and action for the environment. Fr. Mutale added that the Encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum remain prophetic calls for Catholics to safeguard creation. And Sr. Kayula Lesa, Coordinator of the Justice Coalition of Religious (JECO), said the network of 23 NGOs is training congregations in environmental justice and has planted more than 1,000 fruit trees in schools and parishes. “We must equip communities to care for our common home,” she said. Sr. Bertha Chisanga, a representative from Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS), emphasised that the Association is also incorporating environmental education into its Bakhita Project, which supports vulnerable girls. “It is vital to sensitise our nation so that future generations can inherit a cleaner, greener Zambia,” she said. Meanwhile, Sr. Patience Shinombo of Takuza warned that environmental destruction fuels poverty and displacement, which increase the risk of human trafficking. “Food security means people are less vulnerable to exploitation,” she said. And Gilbert Mwiinga, Head of the Diocesan Health Department in the Archdiocese of Lusaka, raised concern over charcoal burning and deforestation in rural areas. “If we are not careful, the forests will be depleted. But when the Church speaks with one voice, people listen,” Mr. Mwiinga said. Faith leaders stressed that caring for creation is both a moral duty and a practical response to Zambia’s growing environmental crisis.