Environmental issues have been among the key topics at a synod being held in Ho Chi Minh City archdiocese this week, with many delegates emphasizing the need for more awareness on pollution and climate change. “Conservation and protection of the environment must be considered a Christian virtue. It is high time Catholics showed greater awareness on this topic and do more to save the environment,” Andrew Nguyen Huu Nghia told 180 priests, Religious and other delegates. The five-day synod, which ends tomorrow, is taking place at the pastoral center in Ho Chi Minh City. Nghia, head of the Kolping Society in Vietnam, said natural disasters causing great losses in lives and to property occur almost every year, yet people ignore their duty to safeguard the environment. The society is a Catholic organization that seeks to promote the development of individuals and families. A growing number of disasters are the result of a disregard for nature, which has led to climate change and the polluting of water and the air, Nghia told the delegates. He said many Catholics regularly go to church and say prayers but throw their household waste onto their neighbors’ property. “Catholics should change their lifestyles and promote environmental protection among communities as a way of evangelization,” he said. He suggested the archdiocese establish a committee for “Creation” that should provide courses on environmental protection. Co-Redemptrix Father Robert M Vu Thanh Tong echoed Nghia’s thoughts, saying that environmental efforts should start in the home. He suggesting parish priests urge local people to dispose of their household rubbish in designated places instead of throwing their garbage wherever they liked. The archdiocese said it plans to publish a final statement and pastoral plans after the synod, which will conclude tomorrow with a priestly ordination at Notre Dame Cathedral. Related reports Ho Chi Minh City gathers for synod