PHL bishops invite non-Christians to study pope’s new environment encyclical
June 19, 2015 3:48pm
Philippine Catholic Church officials on Friday invited non-Christians to join them in studying Pope Francis' new encyclical on caring for the environment, and find ways how to practice it.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the faithful especially in the Manila Archdiocese “to study, enrich, discuss and meditate" on the encyclical "Laudato Si, mi Signore."

“We call on non-Christians, families, educators, politicians, business people, experts in science and digital technology, media, consumer groups, non-government and peoples´ organizations to study the encyclical and its proposals,” he said, according to an article posted early Friday on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.

For his part, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the environment is an issue that should concern not only scientists and other experts, as it can affect the future of all, especially the poor.

"Does the Church have a right to teach on environmental issues? Yes! Our Father in heaven created nature … and He created it good. And since we are all children of God, it is only our duty to care for all that our Father had created," said Pabillo, who also chairs the CBCP's Permanent Committee on Public Affairs.

Pope Francis' encyclical was read to the public on Thursday.

Tagle noted the encyclical's salient points:

- restoration of a contemplative view of creation;
- importance of the belief in the Creator;
- rediscovery of the role of human beings as stewards and not as pseudo-owners of the earth;
- God's plan that the goods of the earth be shared by all;
- the vital connection between the environment and human life;
- a courageous review of political and economic policies, business practices, mindsets and lifestyles towards the changes needed to care for the environment, to uplift the poor and to give glory and praise to the Creator

Poor most affected

Pabillo lamented the poor are usually the ones most devastated by flash floods and landslides.

He also scored what he called the greed of policy-makers and industrialists bring about “in the name of progress.”

“I invite everyone of you to study this encyclical, to discuss it in our parishes, at home, and in our schools, and to see how we can best live out its proposals,” he said. Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

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