Ecological Conversion: A call to action from the Church in Asia

Apr 12, 2025

In a time of unprecedented ecological challenges, the Catholic Church in Asia has raised its voice in unity with the global community, urging a renewed commitment to the care of creation. The recent pastoral letter issued by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) calls on all local churches across Asia to engage in the urgent task of ecological conversion. The letter dated March 15, coincides with both the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’ and the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, offering a timely and prophetic call for action.

The pastoral letter, signed by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Pablo David, and Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, brings to light the ecological crisis that is ravaging the region. Drawing on the wisdom of Scripture, the bishops remind the faithful of the profound words of St Paul in Romans “...afflictions produce endurance, and endurance proven character, and proven character hope. And hope does not disappoint.” This message is particularly powerful in the context of the unfolding environmental disasters that Asia faces — from rising sea levels to devastating air pollution, loss of biodiversity, and extreme weather events.

Despite these afflictions, the bishops call for a hopeful response — one rooted in Christian faith. They urge the Church to see these ecological sufferings not as reasons for despair but as opportunities for action, endurance, and hope. The call is clear: The Church’s mission is to be actively involved in the restoration of creation and the healing of the earth’s wounds, embracing ecological conversion as part of its spiritual and ethical duty.

Ecological Woes Across Asia
The letter vividly outlines the dire environmental issues affecting Asia:

Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss – Vast swaths of the region’s rainforests, such as those in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, are being destroyed by illegal logging, mining, and agricultural expansion. This loss threatens not only wildlife but the livelihoods of indigenous communities who depend on these forests.

Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Displacement – The warming of the Pacific Ocean has led to rising sea levels, resulting in the displacement of entire communities in countries like the Philippines and Bangladesh. The letter emphasises the plight of coastal populations who are facing increasingly frequent climate-induced migrations.

Water Security – The bishops highlight the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and the depletion of rivers across South and Central Asia, which is jeopardising the water supply for millions of people. The situation is exacerbating tensions and conflicts over water resources, especially in areas where river basins cross national borders.

Air Pollution and Health Crisis – Major cities such as Beijing, Delhi, and Jakarta suffer from dangerously high levels of air pollution. The health impacts are severe, especially for children and the elderly, contributing to respiratory diseases and a reduced quality of life.

Extreme Weather Events – Intensified typhoons, flooding, and extreme heatwaves have wreaked havoc across Southeast, South, and East Asia. The letter stresses that the suffering caused by these increasingly frequent and severe weather events is a clear reminder of the urgent need for climate action.

Agricultural Crises and Food Insecurity – Unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods, are severely affecting crop yields, threatening food security in many rural communities. Climate change poses an existential threat to those whose livelihoods are tied to agriculture.

Hope Amidst Despair
While the challenges are immense, the letter also offers a hopeful message. The bishops point to inspiring grassroots movements, such as reforestation projects and mangrove rehabilitation, which showcase the resilience of local communities and their commitment to protecting biodiversity. Indigenous peoples, in particular, are seen as key players in these climate action efforts, offering invaluable knowledge in sustainable land management.

Furthermore, the Church is fostering ecological consciousness through ministries that integrate environmental care into parish life and Catholic education. From green audits to renewable energy projects, dioceses across Asia are taking tangible steps to reduce their ecological footprint.

Another sign of hope is the growing engagement of youth, who are increasingly stepping up as champions of ecological justice. Pope Francis’ call for urgent action in his recent encyclical Laudate Deum has found a passionate response among the younger generation, inspiring them to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future.

The bishops also emphasise the importance of interfaith and civil society collaboration. Ecological concerns transcend religious boundaries, and Christians must work alongside people of other faiths and global communities to advocate for the care of creation.

The Call to Action
With hope as a driving force, the Church calls on the faithful to engage in four critical areas of action:

Mitigation – The Church advocates for stronger climate commitments, particularly in line with the Paris Agreement. Protecting vital ecosystems, such as Asia’s rainforests and coral reefs, is a priority.

Adaptation and Loss & Damage – The poor and marginalised are the most vulnerable to climate change. The Church calls for greater funding and support for adaptation measures and compensation for the damage already inflicted by climate change.

Legislation – The letter stresses the importance of creating and enforcing environmental laws to protect natural resources, including waste management, mining regulations, and watershed protection. Governments and corporations must be held accountable for environmental harm.

Finance – A just approach to climate financing is crucial. Wealthier nations and industries must fulfil their financial commitments to climate action, while debt relief for vulnerable nations is urgently needed to allow them to tackle the climate crisis effectively.

A Global Stage for Action: COP 30
Looking forward, the bishops encourage the Church to actively engage in global climate forums, such as COP 30, set to take place in Belem, Brazil in 2025. This conference provides a crucial platform for nations and communities to come together and advocate for bold, equitable climate solutions. The Church’s voice is vital in amplifying the needs of the vulnerable and pushing for actions that align with the moral responsibility of stewardship.

The Season of Creation
The bishops also call for sustained celebration and reflection during the Season of Creation (September 1 to October 4), a time for spiritual and ecological renewal. They encourage the faithful to embrace simpler, more sustainable lifestyles and to deepen their relationship with God and creation.

Conclusion: Walking the Pilgrimage of Hope
In closing, the bishops invite the people of Asia to embark on a “Pilgrimage of Hope,” responding with courage and faith to the challenges facing the earth. As part of this journey, they urge Christians to examine their consciences, repent for past environmental wrongs, and renew their commitment to ecological conversion. By entrusting the care of creation to Mary, the Mother of all, the Church seeks the wisdom and strength to act with compassion, justice, and integrity for the sake of God’s common home.

The pastoral letter is not only a call to action but also a profound invitation to engage in the transformative work of ecological healing and restoration — an endeavour that holds the potential to shape a more just, sustainable, and hopeful future for all of creation.

Source: FABC Pastoral Letter
To the Local Churches in Asia on the Care of Creation: A Call to Ecological Conversion