Young African Catholics say faith inspires their fight against climate change
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Across East Africa, young Catholics are transforming Pope Francis’ call to care for creation into climate education and advocacy, arguing that protecting the environment is as much a religious obligation as attending church.
At St. Ignatius Parish — a young congregation in the Kenyan Catholic diocese of Ngong — 25-year-old Brian Chacha is often urging people to roll up their sleeves for tree planting and environmental clean up.
“The goal is to remind people that caring for creation is not a one-day event but an expression of our faith and a year-round commitment,” Chacha said.
As part of the Kenya chapter of the Catholic climate movement, Laudato Si’, Chacha leads community discussions about everything from the importance of recycling to clean energy. Other times, he helps the group organize clean ups and tree planting events using social media.
“Tree cover helps reduce the impacts of climate change,” he said. “It also restores biodiversity, improves air quality and conserves water catchment areas.”
Laudato Si’ is a global movement of over 900 Catholic organizations and over 10,000 trained leaders known as animators. It is inspired by…
