Indian Bishop sees lessons from 'Nineveh' in eco-crisis

(Nov.10,2009): The modern world faces the dilemma of the biblical city of Nineveh, and must abandon its wicked ways with the environment, if it is to survive, said Bishop Cyprian Monis of Asansol in West Bengal . "We are all called to do something urgently to save the earth because humans may not survive too long, if the world continues in the way it is doing today," Bishop Monis said after last week’s meeting on "Eco-spirituality for global peace and human liberation." According to the Bible, Jonah was sent by God to the Assyrian city of Nineveh, to warn the people there, to repent or face destruction. They did, and God spared the city. In the same way, "we are called to change our attitudes toward the earth, and do what is possible within our capacity to protect nature and the eco-system," Bishop Monis said.
Seven prelates and 51 heads of Religious congregations attended the Nov. 4-7 program organized by the Bengal Regional Bishops' Council and the Conference of Religious India's units in Sikkim and West Bengal states. Bishop Monis told UCA News the workshop was "an eye-opener." He said he would encourage his people to conserve water and avoid plastic, and would ask each family to plant at least one tree a year. Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes of Krishnagar also plans to encourage his people to plant trees and use energy-saving lamps. Bishop Salvadore Lobo of Baruipur expressed worry that the preference of farmers for chemical fertilizers could destroy the ecosystem. And Archbishop Lucas Sirkar of Calcutta wants that nature conversion and respect for earth to become part of evangelization efforts.