The Laudato Si’ Movement, a movement committed to promoting environmental sustainability and social justice in the spirit of integral ecology, has commended the recent interfaith endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).
Six esteemed Catholic leaders from Asia and Oceania and several Catholic congregations and organisations have signed the interfaith letter endorsing FFNPT’s vital mission to stop fossil fuel dependence.
Among them are: Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi of the Diocese of Tonga and Niue, Bishop Allwyn D’ Silva of the Archdiocese of Bombay (who also serves as the chairman of the Federation of the Asian Bishops Conferences-Office of Human Development and Climate Change Desk), Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of the Archdiocese of Suva in Fiji, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos in the Philippines, Bishop Joey Rapadas III of the Diocese of Iligan in the Philippines, and Bishop Edwin Angot de la Peña of the Territorial Prelature of Marawi in the Philippines.
The Laudato Si’ Movement says it recognises the joint commitment as a reflection of the profound influence of interfaith collaboration in confronting environmental challenges. They serve as a powerful testament to the collective obligation we share to protect our planet for the current and future generations, added the group.
Cardinal Mafi of Tonga said: “A need for (a) bigger volume of a collective voice on behalf of (our) Mother (and Sister) Earth and its vulnerable people is undoubtedly very urgent now.”
Bishop Allwyn D’Silva from the Archdiocese of Bombay and chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences stated: “Health, safety, and security are what the world needs, and it’s possible to get there, but it requires ending the era of coal, oil, and gas.”
Bishop Joey Rapadas III from the Diocese of Iligan in the Philippines encouraged the faithful to support the treaty: “I am supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a campaign that involves prayers for leaders of nations with responsibilities in the upcoming C.O.P. and for all those tasked with immediate decisions to address the climate crisis and related advocacies. This campaign resonates deeply with our spiritual values and our collective voice in the Pacific region to address the looming impact of climate emergency.”
Asia and Oceania are on the frontline of regions heavily impacted by the climate crisis, from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions in ecosystems. Vanuatu and Tuvalu have stepped up as pioneers, leading the charge in advocating for FFNPT and underscoring the critical need for a united effort.
The interfaith letter embodies the shared resolve within faith communities to champion the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and to call on world leaders to unite behind the treaty, marking a pivotal step towards addressing the global climate crisis.
The Laudato Si’ Movement is a global network of individuals, communities, and organisations inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, to care for our common home and address the urgent challenges of climate change and ecological degradation.
