Germany: and eco-compatible dioceseThe issues debated and planned for in Copenhagen are already a reality in the diocese of Würzburg. The “guidelines on the protection of climate and the environment in the diocese of Würzburg” were presented a few days ago to Msgr. Friedhelm Hoffmann, bishop of the Bavarian city, by the diocese’ pastoral care coordinator Msgr. Hans Herderich, and by Edmund Gumpert, responsible for the environment. The bishop said the document is “an important contribution to the preservation of The Creation”, providing “guidelines for decisions”. These are not theories. In fact, a few days ago, “Klimobil”, one of the projects drawn up on the basis of the directives, was awarded the Environment Prize by the Bayerische Landesstiftung. In the framework of the energy sector, the major commitment for the use of renewable energy is indicated as a priority. The document states, “In those places that require for all year-long heating, such as the formation institutes and old-age homes, cogeneration plants must be installed”. This objective was already met in the Catholic school of Vinzentinum. Other Catholic buildings, such as the seat of the diocesan Caritas, were granted the ecological management EMAS label (Eco Management and Audit Scheme), with a remarkable reduction of energy consumption. The document provides a series of recommendations aimed at improving sustainability across the diocese’ areas of activity. As relates to traffic and mobility, the directives envisage public transport as a primary means of transport. The guidelines recommend that the investment of the diocese’ financial assets be targeted at the protection of the Creation and ethical responsibility. Austria: survey on ChristmasThe archdiocese of Vienna tasked the agency “euroSearch dialog” with coordinating the online survey “What’s Christmas?” to delve into expectations for Christmas’ on the part of the faithful. The initiative was presented past December 16 to the spokesperson of the archdiocese Erich Leitenberger, who said he hopes the survey will provide “useful information” regarding people’s attitude towards Christmas. “Do people consider the profound religious aspect of Christmas, or do they view it as the end-of-year period linked to the pressure of buying presents, running on last minute errands while looking forward to a period of rest?”. Leitenberger said the survey would yield concrete response to “the yearly complaints that Christmas is a burden and people no longer remember whose birth is being celebrated on Christmas”. In fact, interviewees will be asked whether they are aware that Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth and is not just any festivity. The survey will seek to delve into the obstacles hindering the perception of the true meaning of Christmas. “Today it is clear that many have a strong longing for the authentic nucleus of Christmas”, Leitenberger said. “For this purpose Catholics in the communication sector promoted a poster campaign during the Advent, which was very successful.” The posters bore the words: “Jesus Christ was born on Christmas, a feast of joy for all people”.The Netherlands: meat-free Friday for the environment “It is advisable to restore the old Catholic tradition of meat-free Friday, since a day a week without meat would greatly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions”. Bishop Gerard Johannes Nicolaus de Korte, from the diocese of Groningen and Leuwarden spoke in defense of environmental protection. The bishop put forward his proposal during a TV program: “we know that a kilo of meat demands a lot of energy and causes large quantities of CO2 emissions, thus a day with no meat is a good idea.” According to old Catholic tradition Friday was completely without meat as a reminder of Jesus’ death on the cross and the fact that the faithful didn’t eat animal food. Those who work and need energy could eat fish instead. In 1989 the Dutch Bishops’ Conference claimed that the frugality in eating, drinking and smoking had been respected and the possibility of eating meat, albeit with moderation, was reintroduced. “Not eating meat is good for the environment”, de Korte remarked. “So meat-free Friday could be reintroduced”. Over 900 churches in The Netherlands tolled the bells to call attention of world leaders gathered in Copenhagen for the environment summit.
