Catholic Church Pledges Strong Support for Ethiopia's GLI

Addis Ababa, July 4, 2026 (ENA) —The Catholic Church of Ethiopia has pledged its full support for the country’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI).

The church describing tree planting as both a moral obligation and a practical response to environmental degradation and social challenges.

Speaking to ENA, Head of Administration and Strategy for the Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia, Mekdim Geremew, emphasized that environmental conservation has long been an integral part of the church's mission, even before the launch of the national tree planting campaign.

"For the Catholic Church, caring for creation is not simply an environmental policy. It is a spiritual responsibility," he said.

Mekdim further noted that the church has been carrying out tree planting activities for many years across its congregations, schools, health facilities, and parishes.

"We have been planting in different congregations, inside schools, inside our health facilities and inside our parishes," he said.

He also explained that the church's commitment gained renewed momentum following Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical, which calls on humanity to protect its "common home" through responsible environmental stewardship. 

"When the government started the Green Legacy Initiative, thanks to God, we became part of it," he said, adding, "We will contribute to what the government is doing because it is a very good thing. It is a very natural thing. It is a very divine thing."

He stressed that the initiative delivers tangible benefits to communities, particularly vulnerable groups.

"This is the truth of it. It is a good thing for the community, especially for the marginalized and the poor," he added.

Highlighting the church's moral responsibility, he stated, "The church has a principle. We have to care for our home. Our earth is our home, and we are entrusted with that home. Not planting trees is violating that principle."

The church will continue expanding its environmental activities as it prepares for its upcoming international assembly, combining public awareness campaigns with practical tree planting efforts, he said.

As Ethiopia's GLI, guided by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Medemer philosophy, continues to mobilize millions of citizens, faith leaders say they remain committed to promoting environmental stewardship, expanding tree planting efforts both at home and internationally, and encouraging future generations to safeguard the planet.