Religious leaders raise concerns over ecology

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

‘A religion which does not pray for the natural environment is one that rejects helping those who suffer, says Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew.

Human beings are displaying insensitivity in protecting the earth, Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew said today at a panel discussion on Culture and Ecological Dialogue at the 16th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul.

Bartholomew stated in his speech that people restricted themselves in terms of economy and ecology, adding that younger generations had a say in the future of the earth.

Bartholomew, who is known to focus on environmental issues, also said ecology and economy were closely related fields and that those acting against this fact would endanger both sustainable life and existence.

“A religion which does not pray for the natural environment is one that rejects helping those who suffer. A society which does not take over responsibility for people’s health and well-being can be regarded as one that disrespects God’s creatures. Human beings deserve better than what we see around,” Bartholomew said. 

Meanwhile, Chief Rabbi İshak Haleva said at the meeting that destruction could last centuries if the current situation in the world is not altered.

Haleva said attempts to preserve the natural balance of the world were in decline. “None of the divine religions and philosophical beliefs can permit the destruction of our earth in such a way.”