Baoding Church to Take Part in “Earth Hour” as Lenten Observance

BAODING, China (UCAN) – Baoding diocese has followed an initiative by the city government, and called on its parishes to turn off lights for an hour on March 28.

This action, taken by the diocese as a Lenten abstinence, is in support of the global Earth Hour launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature, an international NGO. Earth Hour calls for the switching off of electrical appliances for 60 minutes starting 8.30 p.m. that day to raise awareness of global climate-change issues.

While Catholics are urged to pray, be thrifty and do acts of repentance during Lent, participation in Earth Hour helps them reflect on human stewardship of nature, said Father Wang Yongsheng.
The circular reminds Catholics that God created the earth for humankind, who therefore should love nature, prevent environmental damage, and help maintain the ecological balance.

Cities taking part in mainland China include Baoding, Beijing, Dalian, Nanjing, Shanghai and Shunde.

Baoding, known as China's "power valley," as it is at present the only industrial base for the development of China's new energy sector, was the first to declare participation in the Earth Hour.

Since 2006, the Baoding government has introduced the use of solar and wind power and other environment-friendly practices in the city.