Zambia: Bishops’ Conference launches the 2026 Season of Creation

Fr. Arthur Ntembula - Lusaka

Speaking this week at the Catholic Secretariat in Lusaka, ZCCB Secretary General, Fr. Francis Mukosa, urged Christians to move beyond prayer into concrete action to care for the earth. The Season of Creation runs from September 1 to October 4 under the theme "Living Water," drawn from the biblical vision of Ezekiel.

Environmental degradation vs human dignity

Fr. Mukosa warned that critical water sources face growing threats from pollution, irresponsible extraction, deforestation, and climate change. He added that water is life, essential for agriculture, forests, animals, and human survival. Creation, he stressed, is a gift from God rather than raw material for human exploitation.

He emphasised that environmental degradation is directly linked to human dignity and social justice. While poorer communities contribute the least to global pollution, they suffer the most from droughts, floods, crop failures, and water shortages.

Protect wetlands, use water responsibly

To reverse this destruction, Fr. Mukosa called on individuals and local communities to adopt sustainable habits. He urged people to plant trees, protect wetlands, use water responsibly, practice environmentally friendly farming, and advocate for policies that safeguard vulnerable families.

He concluded by challenging the public to think about future generations and the kind of land, water, and climate they will leave behind.