Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, a leader in the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC), has called on churches across Asia to urgently prioritise climate action before the crisis worsens.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bishop D’Silva highlighted that many dioceses on the continent remain unaware of the severity of the climate emergency. He emphasised the need for increased education and practical steps to protect the environment.
Known as the “green bishop” for his long-standing work on environmental protection and social justice, Bishop D’Silva serves as chairperson of the FABC Office of Human Development. He launched the ‘Green Diocese’ initiative in Mumbai to promote sustainability in line with Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’.
He stressed the importance of involving seminary formators and integrating climate education into church training programmes. “In Asia, the majority of people are not aware of this crisis,” he said, pointing to workshops held for bishops, women, and business leaders to raise awareness.
Bishop D’Silva also urged dioceses to take concrete steps to become more environmentally friendly. “We try to invite the diocese to take concrete action so that more dioceses can become green,” he said.
He reflected on his decades of advocacy work, dating back to 1990, and noted the influence of Laudato Si’ in motivating his efforts. He shared a surprising experience of meeting people in Germany with no religious ties who were nevertheless impressed by the encyclical’s call for care of creation.
The bishop’s comments underline the growing role of the Church in Asia to address climate change and promote stewardship of the natural world as part of its mission.
Adapted from UCA News.
