AMERICA/COLOMBIA - "There are connections between the conflicts in the Middle East and environmental issues" says a Jesuit

Thursday, 19 November 2015 environment bishops politics

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Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - "The recent attacks in Paris and in Baghdad cannot be interpreted as isolated events or disconnected from what is happening in the Pan-Amazon. The climate of war in the Middle East has exploded dramatically. This is not an apocalyptic prophecy, but a reality that is being manifested in different ways in the world, in "common homes" as it is called by Pope Francis", said Fr. Michael Czerny, a Canadian Jesuit, a specialist in social justice and ecological issues during the second day of the Meeting of the Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network, which took place in Bogota.

Fr. Czerny, recalled the widespread dissatisfaction regarding the unsolved problems of European colonialism in the Middle East, the non-inclusion of the second and third generation of immigrants, the connections between security and immigration.

As for environmental issues, the Jesuit pointed out that the shortage of food and the prolonged drought in various parts in the world are the result of human actions and attacks committed against nature.

"There is evidence - he said - that high temperatures and drought are related to the recent conflicts which have broken out since 1950. The Amazon and Congo are at high risk for causes of conflicts linked to the domain of water, the hoarding of fertile land and strategic resources.
Faced with such a scenario, one needs to build, local and national strategies and effective and durable international solidarity. Constant dialogue is urgent and imperative", he concluded.

From 16 to 18 November, REPAM gathered representatives of various ecclesial bodies in Bogota and partners from 9 countries that are part of the Pan Amazonian group. The purpose was to reflect on the Encyclical Laudato Sì and discuss the situation of the indigenous peoples of the area, with regard to human rights and pastoral care. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2015)