Pope’s green drive a big hit in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: The churches in the state would give due consideration to the papal communique on nature conservation and  streamline measures to ensure the participation of believers in environmental activities.

Bishop Remegiose Inchananiyil of Thamarassery diocese told DC that each diocese would take the initiative to weave out a strategy of its own to absorb the spirit of the papal communique.

“Thamarassery diocese will constitute a committee to study it. Later, it  would convene the pastoral council, a joint body of believers and priests, which would finalise the measures, standards and programmes,”  he added.

“Normally when popes issue such serious documents,  we would discuss them in detail,” Bishop Inchananiyil said.

Pope Francis in his document says that the document will not cause much change in the present policy of the church as the church in Kerala is already following the same.

Bishop Inchananiyil,  known for his  strong pro-farmer stand,  said that his voice is straight and strong when it comes to the farmers’ issues.

“Farmers are the real protectors of nature and I feel the document would help us in redefining our own strategy on nature conservation,”  he added.

The bishop was  against the move by  Wayanad district collector Kesavendra Kumar who imposed restrictions on high-rise buildings. Referring to the controversy Bishop Inchananiyil said that he was not against the order but the autocratic way in which it  was issued.

“I have strong reasons to believe that the collector is supporting the tourism industry by preventing new constructions in the district which is an upcoming tourism spot,”  he added.