Indonesian bishops promote 'green' policies to protect environment

(Nov. 21, 2012) Indonesian bishops have launched an appeal for the protection of the environment.. The appeal was made on Tuesday at the conclusion of their 10-day general assembly in central Jakarta. The new president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta, launched the appeal for sustainable development and green policies to protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations. He made the plea on behalf of the country's bishops to the central government, and to local as well as foreign companies operating in Indonesia. Archbishop Suharyo said that conserving natural resources is one of the most important issues facing the country and the Catholic community. Addressing the government, Indonesia's bishops also called for changes to laws that fail to protect the environment and permit the intensive exploitation of resources.
In addition to 37 Indonesian bishops, dozens of priests, nuns and members of the laity, environmentalists and political leaders, also attended the meeting.. In order to improve understating of green issues among the clergy and ordinary Indonesians, the Church plans to hold courses and seminars and promote initiatives that increase information, knowledge and education about the issue.