Answering the Cry of the Earth: The AOB's Journey Towards a Green Diocese

The Archdiocese of Bombay launched the "Green Diocese" initiative on September 1, 2018. Under the visionary leadership of His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the Archdiocese of Bombay embarked on this profound and necessary journey: the launch of the "Green Diocese" initiative. This commitment, deeply rooted in the teachings of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato Si' (2015), signified a decisive shift towards integrating care for our common home into the very fabric of the Church's mission in Mumbai. More than just an environmental program, it represents a spiritual awakening and a call to concrete action grounded in faith.

Laudato Si', meaning "Praise Be to You," is far more than a document; it is a prophetic call to recognize the "cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" as interconnected and is a call for ecological justice. It challenges us to confront the moral and material implications of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and rampant consumerism. Cardinal Gracias' initiative embraced this call wholeheartedly, establishing the Archdiocesan Office for Environment (AOE) as the driving force to translate papal wisdom into local action.

Beyond Awareness: Community Engagement in Environmental Justice

The Green Diocese vision goes beyond symbolic gestures. It compels the Church to actively engage with the pressing environmental concerns impacting its communities, especially the most vulnerable. A powerful recent example of this commitment in action is the Archdiocese's support for the local community struggle concerning the Mira-Bhayandar dumping ground at dongri.

Residents, supported by local Church groups and environmental advocates aligned with the AOE's mission, have raised grave concerns:

• Toxic Smoke: Frequent fires at the dumping site release hazardous fumes, posing severe respiratory and health risks.

• Groundwater Contamination: The fear that hazardous waste is leaching toxic chemicals into the soil, with the terrifying potential of polluting the precious groundwater table – the primary source of drinking water for many.

• Loss of Green Lungs: Compounding the crisis, plans to construct a metro car shed on the hill opposite the dumping ground threaten the destruction of over 12,000 trees. These trees are vital "green lungs," providing respite from pollution and supporting local biodiversity.

This isn't a distant issue; it's a matter of immediate health, environmental safety, and ecological justice for thousands. The Archdiocese, through its network and inspired by Laudato Si', has stood in solidarity. Over 6000 people from the Bhayander deanery area came out in solidarity and urged the local government to reconsider the allotment of the metro Car-shed in the vicinity which would effectively lead to the cutting of over 12,000 trees. The priest and religious of the area stood hand in hand with the people in their cry for justice, this cry echoed through the Archdiocese of Bombay as many Church engaged in a silent protest across the Archdiocese.  The local Community members, empowered by the Church's environmental focus, took their fight for clean air, safe water, and preserved green spaces to the government environmental tribunal, demanding accountability and sustainable solutions.

Building a Culture of Care: From Parishes to Platform

The Archdiocese understands that lasting change requires embedding a "culture of care for creation" at every level. This is exemplified by the dynamic parish-level "Green Cells" and the training of dedicated "Eco Ambassadors" through AOE courses. These groups are the grassroots engine of the Green Diocese, driving awareness and action within local communities.

The momentum continues to build. As recently reported, over 100 members of the Christian community gathered at Salvation Kendra, Dadar, for a significant consultation titled ‘Implementing the Vision of Laudato Si'. Organized by the AOE and graced by the presence of Archbishop John Rodrigues and Bishop Allwyn D'Silva (Ecclesiastical Assistant of the AOE), the event focused on the framework developed by the Vatican's Laudato Si' Action Platform.

This framework, structured around seven key goals (including Response to the Cry of the Earth, Response to the Cry of the Poor, Ecological Economics, Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality, and Community Resilience and Empowerment), provides a comprehensive roadmap for the Archdiocese's future efforts. It moves the initiative from isolated projects to a sustained, integrated action plan with clear timelines, ensuring the 124 parishes of Bombay actively contribute to the global Laudato Si' movement.

A Journey of Faithful Stewardship

The Archdiocese of Bombay's "Green Diocese" initiative, launched by Cardinal Gracias and encouraged by Archbishop John Rodrigues, is a testament to the living faith of the Church in Mumbai. It demonstrates that responding to the ecological crisis is not optional but integral to our Christian vocation. From the courageous stand against environmental hazards in Mira-Bhayandar to the systematic planning at consultations like the one in Dadar, the Church is actively striving to be a steward of God's creation.

The challenges are significant, but the commitment is unwavering. Inspired by Laudato Si' and driven by the dedication of its priests, religious, and lay faithful organized through the AOE, Green Cells, and Eco Ambassadors, the Archdiocese of Bombay continues its vital journey towards a truly Green Diocese – a beacon of hope and action for the care of our common home. We invite all people of goodwill to join us in this sacred mission.