Church in India Take Bold Steps Towards Environmental Stewardship

Bangalore August 11, 2024: The Commission for Ecology, under the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), is launching a series of initiatives aimed at promoting ecological awareness and sustainable practices across the country.

At a recent meeting of regional secretaries held at the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) in Bangalore from August 11-12, 2024, various strategies were discussed to be implemented at parish, diocesan, regional, and national levels. The focus is to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship among clergy, laypeople, and Church organizations.

The programmes include workshops, seminars, and community-driven projects addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, waste management, and sustainable resource use. At the parish level, local churches are encouraged to involve their congregations in activities like tree planting drives, clean-up campaigns, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, S.F.X, Chairman of the Commission and Bishop of Daltonganj in Jharkhand, presided over the two-day workshop. He emphasized, "The environmental ministry is vital for the Church as it is an expression of Catholic faith. We all share the responsibility of ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment, especially for future generations."

Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, noted that these initiatives reflect the Church's response to urgent environmental challenges while reaffirming the care of creation as a fundamental aspect of faith.

Key speakers at the workshop included Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General, CCBI; Sr. Jonita Dungdung, OSU, Secretary of the Commission for Ecology; Rev. Dr. Johny Xavier from Cochin; Sr. Anupa, OSF from Raipur; Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira from Goa; and Fr. Kapil Dev from Rourkela.

By Jonita Dungdung