A Salesian priest’s new book, ready for release this weekend, aims to simplify and popularize Church’s teachings on environmental issues.

The book, “A Green Church, is edited by Father Gilbert Choondal, the president of Bangalore CRI unit. A group of Formators during the last two years contributed to it.

The book is a “welcome step” because “it is in line with our priorities,” said CRI national secretary Brother Mani Mekkunnel. He congratulated the formators who worked for it and its editor Father Choondal.

Father Choondal, who heads the Department of Catechesis and Youth Ministry at Bangalore’s Kristu Jyoti College, said the book is an ideal catechesis on environment.

Environmental protection has been a priority for CRI in the past two years. A national consultation in Patna resulted in the publication of a book, “Earth People” – Greening Religious Life Today. “A Green Church” is a welcome step forward.

The CRI also has initiated a national level action program to introduce eco-spirituality in all the formation houses.

“The Major Superiors have made a policy statement to promote eco-spirituality and action to protect environment. The statement is widely distributed for follow up action,” Brother Mekkunnel said.

The new book, designed as second in Know-Your-Church series, will be released on Aug. 22 in Bangalore, said a note from Kristu Jyoti publications.

The book aims to inform Catholics including priests, religious and laity on the environmental issues from an ecclesiastical perspective.

The book analyzes current environmental issues and explains Catholic viewpoint on the issues in the light of Church documents. It also suggests ways to protect nature.

Brother Mekkunnel expressed the hope that such works would help society move forward to “convince each other of the need to perceive the creation through the eyes of God, who created all things and found them good.”

Source: CRI

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